Student finance whilst travelling abroad

Hello!

I am hoping to start studying with Open University but have some questions regarding finance. I am currently abroad and have been for 6 months but the UK has remained my residence. I have bank accounts and my address is registered at my dads where I was living for nearly a year before leaving in November.

If I am to start studying this year, do I need to claim that I have not been in the country for 3 years when applying for finance? As long as I am in the UK for the course start date I assume my not being in the country now would be fine?

If I return to the UK for the course start date, can I leave again whilst studying, as long as I am in the UK again for the course end date?

In terms of travel, in what circumstances would funding be retracted and I would have to repay?

If I am to start studying next year, will I need to claim that I have not been in the country for 3 years when applying for finance? If I do this, I will have been out of the country for over a year, but UK remains my residence. How much time do I need to spend in the UK in a year for it still to be considered my residence in terms of student finance?

Travelling has given me the space to help me decide what I want to study, but I'm now concerned that travelling might be the reason I won't be able to!
I am not planning to be in the UK until March 2025 but I am willing to change my plans if it means the difference between studying in the next year or two, or having to wait another 3 years.

Any help appreciated!

Reply 1

Calum SLC

Official Rep

Hi charliebensch,

You need to declare your residency history on the application accurately - if you have been outside the UK for 6 months during the residency period you will need to send us evidence that this was temporary such as temporary visas or contracts.

You need to remain in the UK during your studies to be eligible for finance.

Thanks,
Calum