It's a good idea to contact course providers before you apply to discuss if they can offer your support, and what this might be. This will depend on your circumstances, and you'll need to let them know your refugee status.
Refugee and asylum seeker status
In the UK, a refugee is a person who has fled their country and is seeking protection because of a fear of being persecuted due to their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for refugee status and is waiting to find out if it has been granted.
There are a number of different official status options. The following list offers a simple overview – you can find full details on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
- Refugee – you have been given permission to stay in the UK, and granted official ‘refugee’ status. You have a letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm this.
- Humanitarian protection – you have permission to stay in the UK for humanitarian reasons. You have a letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm this.
- Asylum seeker – you're applying for asylum, or you're waiting for a decision.
- Limited leave to remain (LLR) or discretionary leave to remain (DLR) – you have been given permission to stay temporarily in the UK. You have a letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm this.
- Ukrainian students studying in the UK – Ukrainian students studying in the UK who are granted leave under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, or the Ukraine Extension Scheme will be eligible for home fee status, if they also meet specific residency criteria.
Tuition fees and financial help
Course providers charge different tuition fees for different categories of students, so make sure you enter the correct status on your application. There are two main rates of fee:
- home status
- overseas status
Scotland and Northern Ireland each have a ‘middle rate’ fee for those moving from elsewhere in the UK to study.
Where you live and plan to study in the UK can affect your eligibility for student finance. Full details can be found on the UKCISA website by following the links below:
If you need further help with your fee status, Coram Children’s Legal Centre can provide free legal advice.
If you're an asylum seeker
Asylum seekers are not usually eligible for either the ‘home’ rate of tuition fees or student finance. However, there are some organisations who may be able to help. Please see the information below about scholarships for asylum seekers.
If you have Humanitarian Protection
The Government’s regulations about who pays home fees and who pays overseas fees is different in England. Read more about this on the UKCISA website.
If you're aged 17 or under, or your status changes
When you turn 18, your status may change. If your status changes (for example, you're granted refugee status after you've applied to university), it's important that you let your course provider know as soon as possible. Admissions staff will be able to give you advice about your individual situation.
If you've been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Bereaved Partner
If you've been UK resident since being awarded such status will qualify for student support without three years ordinary UK residency.