Home fees and student finance

Hi, I’m a British citizen, born and raised in London Southwark, and attained UK domestic education until year 10. Since then I have moved to Japan with my mother, due to family issues (complicated reasons including health of the elderly etc.) I completed Year 11 and IGCSEs at a British School in Japan, achieving 9s and 8s and am currently taking international A-levels (predicated 3A*s), I’m looking to apply this year October, and will begin my course in September 2026. In the meantime, my father has remained in the United Kingdom; but he is financial weak and cannot support me back home in England. I have never lost contact with any of my friends in London and do aim to come back for university
I understand to classify as a home student, I must the requirements eg. Having lived 3 years prior to the first day of my course, and am still quite confused with the rules mentioned on UKCISA, it’s currently a panic as international fees exceed my families budget. Every comment would be immensely valued and thanks to every reply in advance.

I believe you need to have lived in the UK for the last 3 years to qualify as a UK domestic student (pay UK fees and qualify for Student Finance). However, as one of your parents remained UK resident during this time, the only way to qualify as a UK domestic student is if you can show that you were financially dependent on your father, which it does not sound like you were.
However, to be sure, you can check with Student Finance: https://www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england
Good luck.

Thank you for your response. However, what difference does being financially dependant on my father make.