Master's loan eligibility after living outside of the UK

I've just found out that to apply for a master's loan you need to be living in the UK for 3 consecutive years before starting your course.

I was living in Japan from 2019 and came back to the UK in June 2023. I recently decided I'd like to do a full-time taught masters degree and applied for some programmes, which I was accepted for. By the time the programme that I have accepted starts, I'll have only been back in the UK for around 1.5 years. I had no idea that there was this kind of rule since I was born in the UK and spent most of my life here, so I assumed I would be able to access financial support for further studies.

Is there any way I will still be able to receive a master's loan? Without it, I won't be able to afford to study.

I saw some previous posts saying its necessary to prove that your stay was temporary, but I'm not sure exactly what that means, as my stay has clearly ended and I'm working full time in the UK.

Any advice would be appreciated!!

Reply 1

Calum SLC

Official Rep

Hi Hinagiku,

What was the reason for your residency in Japan?

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 2

Hinagiku

Original post by Calum SLC

Hi Hinagiku,
What was the reason for your residency in Japan?
Thanks,
Calum

Hi,

I studied Japanese studies for my undergraduate degree, so I found work there after graduating.

Reply 3

Calum SLC

Official Rep

Hi Hinagiku,

To satisfy the 3 year residency requirement you would have to show us evidence that this time in Japan was temporary with evidence such as temporary work contracts and visas

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 4

Hinagiku

Original post by Calum SLC

Hi Hinagiku,
To satisfy the 3 year residency requirement you would have to show us evidence that this time in Japan was temporary with evidence such as temporary work contracts and visas
Thanks,
Calum

Thanks for your reply.

All of my work contracts were classed as temporary 1 year contracts and my visa was a three year one that I renewed once (and left during the first year of) it's now void since I've been out of Japan for over 3 months. Is it likely that this would be acceptable?

Reply 5

Calum SLC

Official Rep

Hi Hinagiku,

I can't comment if this would be accepted, it would need to be reviewed by our assessment team once you have made your application.

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 6

Hinagiku

Original post by Calum SLC

Hi Hinagiku,
I can't comment if this would be accepted, it would need to be reviewed by our assessment team once you have made your application.
Thanks,
Calum

Thank you, I understand. Is there any information that you can provide on criteria so I can better understand the situation and what is needed for the application?

Reply 7

Calum SLC

Official Rep

Hi Hinagiku,

We just need to see evidence that your break in residency from the UK was temporary and this will then need to be reviewed by our assessment team

Thanks,
Calum

Reply 8

MichalCreamer

Hi @Hinagiku I am in the same predicament, except I've spent the past 6 years outside of the UK in Australia and New Zealand. All on temporary 1-year working holiday visas, with 1-year employment contracts.

Did you manage to get approved for the loan?