Tuition fee loan blocked

I have been living in the UK on eu pre settle for more than 3 years as the non eu family member of an European national. This year September I started university after completing 3 years residence in the UK but unfortunately my tuition fee loan got blocked saying that I need to proof financial dependency on my EU family member. I submitted all the documents but they keep asking for more. What if I do not get it this year will I be able to apply for tuition fee loan in year 2 of my course on the same criteria. Also I will be eligible for settled status in April 2027 so will I be able to apply for tuition fee loan year 26-27 in april 2027 on totally my own bases without the need to proof financial dependency? Please guide

Reply 1

Drew SLC

Official Rep

HI there,

How old are you? What evidence have you provided so far and what further evidence have you been requested to send?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 2

safeerraja

I am 23 years of age. I provided the cover letter explaining that how I financially depend on my parents and also provided a cover letter from my parent. I was given the payment schedule letter in August and later on I found that my tuition fee is blocked. Now again my account shows that payments are ready to be made but when I contacted them they are saying that my application is not approved yet and I need to send them my bank statements and my parent bank from the year 2025 till sep 2025. I live will with my parents and provided cover letters as well. I am really stressed because I already almost finished 1st semester and tuition fee is still not approved. What if someone do you have bank statements ? I explained them and provided them payslip of my parent which clearly shows that they get salary in cash after deductions and also they provide me cash support. Can I appeal against SFE ? Is there anyother route for me to apply ? Please guide me.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi safeerraja,

Yes, if you gain settled status in your own right, you can provide this evidence to become eligible from when you were granted this status.

If you are still applying as the family member of the EU national, you would need to provide a cover letter explaining that you cannot provide further evidence of your dependency on your parent. If you have exhausted all evidence you have sand it has been rejected, you can make an appeal if you believe that the outcome of your application is incorrect. I have provided a link here for our appeals process.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appeals-procedure

Thanks, Clare

Reply 4

safeerraja

Thanks for your reply.
I will be granted settled status in April 2027. If I continue my studies now and pay for 1st year and get settled status in April 2027 will I be eligible for tuition fee loan in year 2026-27 or 27-28 ?

Reply 5

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi Safeerraja, Once you gain settled status in your own right, you can provide evidence to confirm your eligibility from when you were granted this status and we can review the application at that time to confirm your eligibility for support in your own right. However, this will depend on the evidence provided at the time of the submission. Stephen

Reply 6

safeerraja

Thanks for your reply.
My concern is that If my pay my fees by myself for the first year and can I become eligible for tuition fee loan for second year 26-27 by getting settled status as the non-eu family member of European national in April 2027. I do not want to pay the fees in second by myself as-well otherwise I will have to drop out and first year will be wasted as-well ? Please guide on this. I have provided cover letters from parents saying that they give me cash support and proof of my parent getting salary in cash after tax, are these not enough to proof financial dependency?