Changes for academic year 2024/25

There have been changes to some residency eligibility categories from academic year 2024/25.

Family members of Ukraine Nationals​

From academic year 2024/25, family members of Ukraine Scheme leave holders will be eligible to apply for FE support.

Family members of Afghan Citizens

​From academic year 2024/25, family members of those granted leave under the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) or ACRS (Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme) will be eligible to apply for FE support without any​ requirement for them to have been granted leave in line. 

Continuation of student support where leave has expired:​

1. Ukraine Scheme Expiry - We will make changes to our guidance to make clear that persons with Ukraine Scheme leave can continueto access support once original leave expires, if they have a new lawful immigration status in the UK.
2. British/Irish Citizenship- We will make changes to ensure that students who acquire British or Irish citizenship during their studies, instead of applying for further leave to remain, are not impacted by the termination provision.

Changes to residency provisions NI:​  

There are 3 residency provision changes to be implemented from academic year 2024/25.

1.      The date that students applying for support under all protection-based categories, DVILR (Domestic Violence Indefinite Leave to Remain) and Bereaved Partners must be resident in NI, will be changed to the first day of the first term of the first academic year (1st day of their course)​.
2.      The requirement to be lawfully resident on the 1st day of their course is to be removed when a student qualifies via an event in a protection-based category, DVILR (Domestic Violence Indefinite Leave to Remain) or as a Bereaved Partner.