The rules about who pays 'home' fees for higher education in Wales are set by the Welsh Government (they are not set by UKCISA). They are set out in regulations, which the Welsh Government amends over time. The regulations identify all the different 'categories' of student who can insist on paying at the 'home' rate. They set out all the requirements a student needs to meet, to fit one of those categories.
The Welsh Government is making very minor amendments to the regulations for the following two categories:
Category for those with leave as a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse, and children
Leave granted under a new appendix of the Immigration Rules (Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse) now counts when qualifying for this category. It was added as an option on 9 August 2024.
Also, it no longer matters whether leave is leave to enter or leave to remain.
Category for those with leave as a bereaved partner, and children
Leave granted under a new appendix of the Immigration Rules (Appendix Bereaved Partner) now counts when qualifying for this category. It was added as an option on 9 August 2024.
Also, it no longer matters whether leave is leave to enter or leave to remain.
Further reading
For the full details of all the requirements for each of the categories, go to the UKCISA website:
If you want to see the regulations that made the changes, they are the Education (Student Finance) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024 No.810 (W. 131)).
If you have any questions about any of these changes and would like to talk to someone about them, please contact our student advice line.
