AEO Knowledge Hub
Straightforward answers to the questions Birmingham students actually search for — written by advisors who handle these applications every week.
Yes. If you hold ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years before your course starts, you are normally eligible for full student finance — including a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan — at 'home' rates. You'll need to provide your BRP or eVisa and proof of UK residence when applying.
Students with Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme can usually access a tuition fee loan if they have lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, or Switzerland for the past 3 years. Maintenance loans depend on additional residency criteria. We assess each case individually.
Yes. People granted refugee status (or their family members) are eligible for full home-fee status and student finance from the moment status is granted, with no three-year residency requirement. The same generally applies to those with Humanitarian Protection.
Universities in England can charge up to £9,535 per year for undergraduate courses. The tuition fee loan covers this in full and is paid directly to the university. You only repay once you earn over the income threshold.
The tuition fee loan pays your university for the course itself. The maintenance loan is paid into your bank account each term to help with living costs — rent, food, transport, and books. The amount depends on household income and where you study.
You begin repaying only after you finish (or leave) your course AND your income passes the repayment threshold for your loan plan. Repayments are 9% of income above the threshold and are taken automatically through PAYE — never more than you can afford.
Yes. There is no upper age limit for tuition fee loans. Maintenance loan eligibility for students aged 60+ is more limited, but most mature students under 60 qualify on the same basis as school leavers.
Book a free 20-minute call with a Birmingham advisor. We'll tell you exactly what funding you qualify for.
Start my free eligibility check