Changes for academic year 2025/26

Settled residency status changes

In academic year (AY) 2024/25, to qualify for funding as a person settled in the UK, we needed a student to have settled status on the first day of the first academic year of their course. This was unless they had settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).​

From AY 2025/26, students who have settled status for any reason, not only under the EUSS, can become eligible for funding during their course. They will qualify for funding from the date they receive settled status.​

Domestic violence or abuse and bereaved partner changes

Previously, only the following individuals were eligible under the protected partners category:

• individuals (and their children) granted indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse
• individuals (and their children) granted indefinite leave to remain as a bereaved partner

We've amended this policy to be eligible to the following individuals:

• individuals (and their children) granted leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse
• individuals (and their children) granted leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner