Usually yes for tuition fees, but not always for living costs. With pre-settled status and 3 years of residence in the UK, the EEA or Switzerland before your course, you can normally get a Tuition Fee Loan (up to £9,790 in 2026/27). A Maintenance Loan for living costs generally needs you to qualify as an EU, EEA or Swiss worker, or as the family member of one. With settled status you can usually get both.
Settled vs pre-settled: the difference in one table
| Settled status / ILR | Pre-settled status | |
| Tuition Fee Loan (fees paid to the university) | Yes, after 3 years living in the UK | Yes, after 3 years living in the UK, EEA or Switzerland |
| Maintenance Loan (living costs) | Yes, if the course and your circumstances qualify | Generally only via the EU worker (or worker's family member) route |
| Who decides | Student Finance England | Student Finance England |
What the official application form says
The Student Finance England application form 2026/27 asks pre-settled applicants whether they have lived in the UK, the EEA, Switzerland or the Overseas Territories for the three years before the first day of the first academic year. If the answer is yes, the form says you will only be eligible for tuition fee funding. The exception is a separate route for people who qualify as a worker or as the family member of a worker.
The worker route
People with pre-settled status who have worked or been looking for work in the UK, and who will carry on working while they study, may qualify for the same support as settled students, including the Maintenance Loan. The same goes for family members of such a worker. There are further conditions, for example about where you were living at the end of 2020, so it is not automatic.
This matters for adults who study around a job. A blended degree that needs only 1 to 2 campus days a week is built for people who keep working, so many of our students are in this position. We check it with you before you apply, because it changes how much you can receive.
How to check your own case
- Work out your dates: when you moved to the UK and how many years you have lived here (short holidays do not break your residence).
- Have your share code ready. Student Finance England uses it to check your immigration status online.
- Use the student finance checker on gov.uk, then apply for the course you choose.
- Message us if you are unsure about the worker route. We will tell you honestly what to expect.
Under 3 years in the UK?
The 3-year rule is counted back from the first day of your first academic year. If you are a few months short, you can often aim for the next intake instead. Tell us your arrival date and we will tell you which start is realistic.
Moving from pre-settled to settled status
Pre-settled status can usually be upgraded to settled status after 5 years of continuous residence. Settled status removes the worker-route question, so it is worth applying as soon as you are eligible. See gov.uk: EU Settlement Scheme for the Home Office rules.
Quick answers
Can I get a Maintenance Loan with pre-settled status?
Not on the basic route. You generally need to qualify as an EU, EEA or Swiss worker, or as a family member of one. Student Finance England decides.
Is the Tuition Fee Loan paid to me or to the university?
To the university. You do not pay your tuition fees upfront.
Does pre-settled status expire before my degree ends?
Check your own expiry date on the gov.uk immigration status service. If it is close, ask us about the timing of your application and your upgrade to settled status.
Sources: gov.uk: who qualifies for Student Finance; Student Finance England application form 2026/27; gov.uk: EU Settlement Scheme.
Disclosure: AdmitGo is free for students and is paid by partner universities when a student enrols. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Student Finance England decides every application.