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Home or international fee status
Whether you pay home fees or the higher international fees depends mainly on your immigration status and where you have been living. Your university decides, using rules set by each UK nation.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For your own situation, speak to your university's international student adviser, UKCISA, or a regulated immigration adviser. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
Who usually pays home fees
- British citizens and Irish citizens who have been living in the UK or Ireland for the three years before the course starts.
- People with settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if they meet the residence rules.
- Some refugees and people with other protection status, and some family members.
Who usually pays international fees
Most people who come to the UK on a Student visa pay international fees. Since 2021, most EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (other than Irish citizens) without settled or pre-settled status also pay international fees.
The rules differ across the UK
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each set their own rules, and the details, such as what counts as living in the UK, can be complicated.
If you are unsure
Ask the university's admissions or fees team before you accept an offer. They may send you a fee status questionnaire. UKCISA explains the rules in detail.
Sources
Quick answers
Who pays home fees at UK universities?
Mainly British and Irish citizens and people with settled or pre-settled status who meet residence rules. The university decides.
Do EU students pay international fees in the UK?
Since 2021, most EU, EEA and Swiss nationals other than Irish citizens, without settled or pre-settled status pay international fees.