Tuition loan

Hi, I’m seeking advice regarding student finance. I am due to start a nursing program at the University of Bedfordshire in January 2026. The university has advised that I may be eligible for a tuition fee loan, but I’m unsure.

My immigration status is as follows: I am currently on a Skilled Worker visa, I have lived in the UK for five years, and my partner is an EU citizen with settled status. I have also been assessed as a Home student by my university.

Could you please advise whether I qualify for a tuition fee loan?

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there,

What nationality are you and how old are you? Are you married or is it just a partner you have?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 2

PrudyD

Hi Drew, I’m Ghanaian. 31 years of age and legally married to my husband. I’ve lived in the UK for four years on a skilled worker visa

Reply 3

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, non-UK national family members of a Settled Person will normally be eligible for fee only support if they are studying in England.

The following criteria must be met;

•

The Settled Person and the family member must have been ordinarily resident in the UK, and Islands for 3 years prior to the first day of the first academic year of the course

•

The Settled Person must be in the UK

•

The family member must hold a valid status in the UK

A family member of a Settled Person can be;

•

Spouse or civil partner

•

Child, step-child or adoptive child

•

Parent, step-parent or adoptive parent

•

Grandparent or grandchild

•

Under the age of 21

Thanks, Stephen

Reply 4

PrudyD

Original post

by Stephen SLC

Hi there, non-UK national family members of a Settled Person will normally be eligible for fee only support if they are studying in England.
The following criteria must be met;

•

The Settled Person and the family member must have been ordinarily resident in the UK, and Islands for 3 years prior to the first day of the first academic year of the course

•

The Settled Person must be in the UK

•

The family member must hold a valid status in the UK

A family member of a Settled Person can be;

•

Spouse or civil partner

•

Child, step-child or adoptive child

•

Parent, step-parent or adoptive parent

•

Grandparent or grandchild

•

Under the age of 21

Thanks, Stephen

Thank you Steven, should the person necessarily be on a spouse visa? I’m a bit confused because I’m on a skilled worker visa although married to an EU citizen with settled status. Many thanks

Reply 5

PrudyD

Thank you Steven, should the person necessarily beon a spouse visa? I’m a bit confused because I’m ona skilled worker visa although married to an EUcitizen with settled status. Many thanks

Reply 6

Leah SLC

Official Rep

Hi there. No, as long as you are married and can provide both your ID and status evidence, your partners ID and status evidence and a copy of your marriage certificate. Thanks, Leah.

Reply 7

PrudyD

Original post

by Leah SLC

Hi there. No, as long as you are married and can provide both your ID and status evidence, your partners ID and status evidence and a copy of your marriage certificate. Thanks, Leah.

Thank you very much

Reply 8

Graeme SFE

Official Rep

Original post

by PrudyD

Thank you very much

You're welcome - if you have any other questions feel free to ask us.

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 9

PrudyD

Original post

by Graeme SFE

You're welcome - if you have any other questions feel free to ask us.
Thanks, Graeme

Hi,

I have submitted my tuition fee loan application and was asked to provide my bank details. This has left me a little confused, as I understood that the tuition fee loan would be paid directly to the university if approved, unless I also qualify for a maintenance loan.

I applied as the spouse of an EU settled person; however, I am currently on a Skilled Worker visa.

At what stage will I be informed whether my application has been approved or rejected? My online account currently shows the status as “Application Processing.”

I am feeling quite anxious, as my deadline is approaching and I may need to arrange alternative funding for my tuition fees if the loan is not approved.

Reply 10

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi Purdy,

If you are only getting they Tuition Fee Loan then you will not need to provide bank details. The application process can take 6-8 weeks to process. When did you submit the application?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 11

PrudyD

Original post

by Drew SLC

Hi Purdy,
If you are only getting they Tuition Fee Loan then you will not need to provide bank details. The application process can take 6-8 weeks to process. When did you submit the application?
Thanks, Drew

Hi I submitted about two weeks ago and I am aware of the timeline it's just that I'm not sure if I need to wait for 6-8 weeks to know whether it is approved or rejected