Student finance eligibility

Hello. I need help regarding student finance eligibility.I wish to apply for a part-time tuition fee loan through the Open University to start in Sept 2025. I have been living abroad on and off since August 2021. During this time, I visited the UK twice—once for four months and once for three months.
Although I have been abroad, I have maintained my ties to the UK. I still have a UK bank account, and during my visits, I continued to use services such as my GP, hospital, and dentist. Additionally, my parents, who did not accompany me abroad, have strong ties to the UK. They own property, maintain bank accounts, and have active connections in the UK.
I was raised fully by my paternal uncle and aunt, who made the decision to relocate abroad in 2021. However, they have kept their ties to the UK intact, including owning property and maintaining active bank accounts. While abroad, I studied with a UK college and completed my Higher Education Diploma.
I returned to the UK in September 2023 with the full intention of staying permanently. Unfortunately, my paternal uncle passed away unexpectedly in December 2023, and I came back abroad to support my aunt. She is currently working through some personal matters, after which we plan to relocate back to the UK permanently. I had originally planned to return abroad in July 2024, but given my aunts situation, I felt it was necessary to stay and support her.
I would greatly appreciate any guidance.
Thanks everyone