Applying for SFE as an Independent Student

Hi,
I'm currently applying for an Architecture Masters Degree. The funding for this follows the Undergraduate model.

I have worked full time away from home now for 2 years, and worked part time (8-21 hours a week) throughout university to support myself.

Am I able to apply as a self supporting independent student for SF having worked for 2 years, and the third year being a mixture of student loan and part-time work, as I received no money from my parents whilst I was studying ? Any help would be appreciated.

Reply 1

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi PopDodd,

You would only be classed as independent through self support if you have been supporting yourself for 3 years or more prior to the first day of the first academic year of your course.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 2

PopDodd

Original post

by SFE Clare

Hi PopDodd,
You would only be classed as independent through self support if you have been supporting yourself for 3 years or more prior to the first day of the first academic year of your course.
Thanks, Clare

Hi Clare,

Thank you for your response!
I understand this is the criteria, however, I would say that I have been supporting myself for the 3 years before staring my masters in September 2026 as I have worked and lived without parental support throughout university, and for the 2 years post graduating. I have tenancy agreements, utility bills in my name, and P60's to prove this. The only financial input I will have had in the 3 year period that is not from my own work is from student finance in my last year of undergraduate study.

My question is whether this will count as independent in the eyes of SFE ?

Many thanks, Poppy

Reply 3

SFE Jason

Official Rep

Original post

by PopDodd

Hi Clare,
Thank you for your response!
I understand this is the criteria, however, I would say that I have been supporting myself for the 3 years before staring my masters in September 2026 as I have worked and lived without parental support throughout university, and for the 2 years post graduating. I have tenancy agreements, utility bills in my name, and P60's to prove this. The only financial input I will have had in the 3 year period that is not from my own work is from student finance in my last year of undergraduate study.
My question is whether this will count as independent in the eyes of SFE ?
Many thanks, Poppy

Hi there,

Your student loan wouldn't be classed as an example of this. The assessors will review the evidence though and confirm your eligibility. If you have three years of self support through wages etc then do submit this. Also the three years don't need to be consecutive - as long as it was three years prior to your course beginning. Thanks, Jason

Reply 4

PopDodd

Thanks Jason, to clarify: the Student Loan itself doesn't count as self-supporting, but my part time wages for could be considered as proof of independence for the same undergraduate year? The total on my P60 for this year is approx £6500, not equal to a full time job, but that + my student loan is what I lived off.

Kind regards,
Poppy

Reply 5

SFE Jason

Official Rep

Original post

by PopDodd