What is my Fee Status?

Your university fee status can have big implications on your application process experience and your finances.

Do you know, for sure, your fee status?

For most people, it will be obvious…

Example; you have Scottish parents and have lived your entire life in Scotland. You will be; SEU (Scottish and European Union – but more on that later).

It is not so straightforward for everyone, however. Especially if you have lived in more than one country or your parents are different nationalities.
In this post, I will answer the following questions;

• What is a Fee Status?
• Why is a Fee Status important and how is it used?
• What are the 4 main questions you need to consider when selecting your fee status?
• Can I opt into a more / less expensive fee status?

What is a Fee Status?

When you apply to study at university in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, most institutions will charge different amounts, depending on which tuition fee category you fall into. There are three options;

1. SEU (Scotland or European Union)
2. RUK (Rest of the UK; England, Wales and N. Ireland)
3. International or Overseas (any non EU country)

Below is an example, taken from the University of Edinburgh’s website. It shows fees for one course (Undergraduate Accounting and Business) and as you can see, the variation between SEU, RUK or International is vast.

Edinburgh Univeristy UG Programme Fees

faint-hearter
Universities only receive funding for a set amount of SEU places and so are limited in the number of offers they can make. This means SEU is the most competitive fee category.


Why is Fee Status Important and How I it Used?

The first thing I want to point out is that by selecting the wrong option, no university will automatically reject you. Phew!
However, if you do not select the correct option they may ask you to complete a Fee Status Questionnaire. This can drag out the university application process and cause you all sorts of delays, which you obviously want to avoid.
If it is discovered, after an offer has been made, that you may have the wrong fee status then things could get even worse, possibly ending in a retracted offer. That would be disastrous.
So, let’s get it done properly.


What Are the 4 Main Questions You Need to Consider When Selecting Your Fee Status?

This is not an exact science, unfortunately. However, by asking yourself the questions below, and in that order, you can greatly reduce the margin of error.

• What passport(s) do you hold?
• Where you live now and how long you have lived there?

                - 3+ years and you can generally be considered a resident

• Where were you born?

                - And how long did you live there before moving?

• Where are your parents from?

                 - Less important but can have an impact



You can find the exact legislation on the Scottish Government website (not for the faint-hearted!)

By asking yourself the above questions you will be able to improve your accuracy on answer.


Can I Opt Into a More / Less Expensive Fee Status?

The truth is that some people do get away with it.

​Though, while it may be tempting, deceiving universities on your fee status is probably not worth the risk and so I would not recommend you try.

Once you have decided on your fee status, it is best practice to follow up with each university. Ask if they require any additional information – you may be surprised.

There will occasionally be universities that have a different method of categorisation but this is a good process to follow.

Best of Luck!