Problems with student finance, can anyone help??

Leojohn92

Hi everyone,

I wonder if anyone can help me with my dilemma.

I have a place at university next year, but I'm worried I won't be eligible for student finance because of residency issues.

Over the last 3 years I taught in Vietnam for 6 months, with a temporary contract. Later I moved to Bolivia for 9 months and got a 1 year visa on the basis that my girlfriend, who had a job and working visa, would support me. She had a one year job contract but I don't have any work contracts for that time. Since then I've travelled for 2 months and will travel for 2 more.

I came back to the UK between living abroad, and my bank statements have always gone to my parents address. I'm also presumably still on the electoral register at my parents address.

This will be a top up year at uni for the foundation degree I already have. Student finance paid for my previous 2 years, and so I previously updated them to let them know I was in Bolivia but I don't think I ever told them I was in Vietnam.

I really need some advice about how to proceed with my student finance application. I haven't applied yet because I'm really scared i'll say or do something wrong, and ruin my chances of getting the loan. If anyone has any experience in this, I'd appreciate the advice so much!!

Thanks for reading this, I hope someone can help!

[Deleted User]

Nobody is going to tell you to do or say anything other than the truth

Voyager2002

It is probable that the OP does satisfy the requirements for student finance, but there is indeed a need to be very careful. I suggest that you read the website in great detail, and perhaps use Google to find the official definitions of terms like "ordinarily resident".

sheramber

The regulations state 'living in ' not just ordinarily resident

Your nationality or residency status

You can apply if all of the following apply:

you’re a UK national or have ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay)
you normally live in England
you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years before starting your course

Leojohn92

Hmm well I guess all I can really do is apply and see what they say, I keep hearing that they'll probably make an exception for a temporary contract, but we'll see.

Voyager2002

Leojohn92 wrote: »

Hmm well I guess all I can really do is apply and see what they say, I keep hearing that they'll probably make an exception for a temporary contract, but we'll see.

It is not an "exception": they follow the rules. It is of course possible for someone to be living in England but taking an extended holiday abroad, and perhaps even picking up some kind of work while they are away. A permanent contract would demonstrate that they are no long living in England.