Uk citizen rejected student finance after starting business abroad

tomwellings

I was born in the UK, am a UK citizen, and hold a UK passport only.

I am 27 and have worked abroad for the majority of the last 8 years:

I worked as a teacher from 2003-2007 on temporary single year contacts

From Jan 2008 I worked for an NGO in Kyrgyzstan on a (80% / 4-day a week) 9 month contract, and subsequently on and off on short 1 or 3 month contracts until mid 2009.

In mid 2008 I also established a business in Kyrgyzstan (an English language tourist magazine) which I ran until my return to the UK in August 2010. The business employs three staff and continues to operate today, although I no longer take a wage. During these years I also freelanced as an English teacher for various NGOs based in the capital.

My application for student finance was rejected as I could not prove my stay overseas was 'temporary'. I provided my business and printing licences for my magazine, business visas, etc, but could not provide details of having maintained a property in the UK during that time (I am on the electoral roll at my parents' house and have never owned a property int he UK).

In thinking that it would be too old and therefore irrelevant, I did not provide a scanned copy of the contract I held in 2008 with the NGO. The only record of my work the student Finance company have is of my self employment.

I have been told today, after 6 months of evidence posting and correspondence, that as I set up a business abroad I am ineligible. Why they didn't tell me I was ineligible at the start I have no idea, but that's another question!

If I am to appeal, my case would rest upon a this 'temporary' NGO contract from Jan-november 2008.

What can you all advise? In your opinion, If I send the NGO contract as part of my appeal, what are my chances of securing funding?

Many thanks!

conradmum

Surely your the NGO contract would only serve as further evidence that you haven't met the residence in the UK requirement that's stipulated, unless you're thinking that the fact that it was temporary is proof that you weren't living permanently overseas?

I don't think it sounds hopeful to be honest. If you weren't residing and paying tax or claiming benefits in the UK then you weren't based here, and therefore aren't entitled to be treated as a home student.

All of the evidence you've given them of your business overseas is evidence that counts against you, not in your favour.

dmg24

I agree with conradmum - who would establish a business overseas if they did not intend to live there with at least some level of permanency?

Taiko

Exactly the same as I said in the other thread.