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EU Settlement Scheme: pre-settled status

Pre-Settled Status? You may get more than you think

Most people with pre-settled status can get a Tuition Fee Loan. If you are working in the UK as an EEA or Swiss worker, or are a family member of one, you may get full support including a Maintenance Loan.

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Student finance

What you can usually get

EU nationals with pre-settled status can usually get tuition fee funding only. Full support, including the Maintenance Loan, is available on some routes, for example EEA or Swiss workers and their family members.source

The conditions

  • Tuition fee funding: you have lived in the UK, the EEA, Switzerland or the British overseas territories for the 3 years before your course starts.
  • Full support as an EEA or Swiss worker or family member: you or your family member are working in the UK, and you have lived in the UK, the EEA, Gibraltar or Switzerland for the last 3 years.
  • Other full-support routes include family members of UK nationals and children of Swiss nationals, each with their own conditions.

Whether your work counts is decided by Student Finance England on your evidence, so we look at your job, hours and pay with you before you apply. Getting this right is the difference between fees only and fees plus living costs.

January 2027 onwards

Starting in January 2027 or later?

Most courses that start on or after 1 January 2027 are funded through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement. You apply through an LLE student finance account, and the course must be with a provider registered with the Office for Students.source We set up the right application with you, whichever system your start date falls under.

How we help

From first call to your first day

  1. Check your eligibilityWe go through your status, how long you’ve lived in the UK and any previous study, before you apply anywhere.
  2. Choose a course you can finishUniversities and colleges with January, May and September starts, and courses that fit around work and family.
  3. University applicationYour personal statement and application, done with you.
  4. Student finance applicationWe guide you through it by screen-share, so you stay in control of your own account.

FAQ

Questions we’re asked

Can I get a Maintenance Loan with pre-settled status?

Usually not on pre-settled status alone. You may get one if you qualify as an EEA or Swiss worker, or as a family member on one of the full-support routes.

I work part time. Does that count?

It can. Student Finance England decides on your evidence whether you count as an EEA or Swiss worker. We help you gather payslips and contracts that show your work.

What evidence will I need?

Usually your EU Settlement Scheme share code, the dates of your status, your addresses for the last 3 years and, for the worker route, proof of your employment.

When can I start?

Many universities and colleges run January, May and September intakes. Ask us what is still open.

Other statuses

Different status?

British citizens

See what you can get

Indefinite leave to remain

See what you can get

EU Settled Status

See what you can get

Refugee status

See what you can get

Ukraine schemes

See what you can get

Find out what you can study

Tell us your status and what you’d like to study. We’ll check your eligibility and tell you honestly what’s possible.

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Sources (checked 12 October 2026)

This page is general information for students whose home is in England. Student Finance England makes the final decision on every application.