Job Discussion Forums

[Tudor]

Has anyone done an MA at an English (not British, as I think fees in Scotland and NI are different to England and Wales) university after having worked overseas? If so, were you classed as a 'home' or an 'international' student?

I see that to be a 'home' student you should have been "ordinarily resident" in the UK for the three years preceding the start of your course, but it's quite vague as to what exactly constitutes "ordinarily resident". I've searched in numerous places online, but can't seem to find a straight answer - perhaps there isn't one.

Anyway, it'd be interesting to hear from anyone who has actually done this (or knows someone who has) rather than reading conjecture elsewhere from folk who don't actually know what's what themselves! Thanks.

[nomad soul]

[Tudor]

[figshdg]

A friend of mine was in Korea for three and a half years. He matriculated at UCL last year. He's paying home fees.

[reddevil79]

I did my Masters during 2010/11, and had a quite a battle to get accepted as a �home� student. I rejected one university�s offer of a place as they insisted on me paying fees as a foreigner, and had to Fed Ex copies of all the documents I had to the university that I chose to study at to prove that I qualified. One of my colleagues applied to do a Masters last year but couldn�t qualify as a �home fees� student and he rejected their offer.

I think the rules have become even tougher since I applied, and I am not sure things will get any better due to reduced state funding:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2013/jan/05/university-protest-disastrous-neglect-postgraduates

I would say draw up a shortlist of unis that interest you, and then contact them about this issue. Best of luck.

[Tudor]

Pretty much as I expected really, hit-and-miss; I guess each university interprets the rules as they see fit.

Thanks for the replies.

[Denim-Maniac]

Do you have to declare your absence from the UK?

I never do, and so would then qualify as thats the default position. I have claimed support for undergraduate studies after being out of the UK, and also have claimed state benefits just by ... well, lying basically.

I have found telling the truth to officialdom ends in tears.

[scot47]

Universities interpret the rules differently. It should be enough to have an address in the UK for some period. Is it three years ? You HAVE always lived with your granny haven't you ?

Usual eveidence of that is your name on the electoral register (vulge - voters' roll).

[Tudor]

[Denim-Maniac]

Yeah your circumstances are different to mine. I have never declared being overseas to any official body. For my undergraduate grants and support I just stated I was, and had always been, within the UK. I am always on the electoral register there anyway.

[ttxor1]