Home / UK home students / Indefinite leave to remain

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

Indefinite leave to remain? You can usually study as a home student

Indefinite leave to remain means you are settled in the UK. Settled students whose home is in England are usually assessed for full student finance, the same way as British citizens.

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Student finance

What you can usually get

People who are settled in the UK, which includes indefinite leave to remain, can usually get full support (Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan) if they meet the residence conditions.source

The conditions

  • England is your home and you haven’t moved here only to study.
  • You have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the 3 years before your course starts.
  • Funding is usually for your first higher education qualification.

GOV.UK names some ILR routes specifically, such as indefinite leave as a bereaved partner or as a victim of domestic abuse. Other ILR holders are assessed as settled. Because the exact wording matters, we check your Biometric Residence Permit or eVisa details with you before you apply.

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

Does ILR count as settled status for student finance?

Indefinite leave to remain is settled status in UK immigration terms, and settled students who meet the 3-year residence rule can usually get full support. Student Finance England makes the final decision.

I got ILR recently. Do I have to wait 3 years?

The 3-year rule is about how long you have lived in the UK before your course starts, not how long you have had ILR. Time living here before your ILR was granted usually counts, but we check your case.

What evidence will I need?

Usually your eVisa or residence document details, the date your status was granted, and the addresses where you have lived.

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

EU Settled Status

See what you can get

EU Pre-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.