Fee Status Assessment

The rules about who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education courses in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the United Kingdom Council for International Students Affairs (UKCISA) has developed a comprehensive guide to help applicants and fee assessors interpret the legislation.

At Cardiff Metropolitan University, your fee status is determined by a member of the Admissions Team with relevant expertise, following the UKCISA guidelines. Each university has some discretion in how the guidelines are applied, meaning fee status decisions can vary between institutions. We conduct our own independent assessment and do not consider decisions made by other universities. Our fee status decision applies solely to your specific application to Cardiff Metropolitan University and does not affect your classification with the Student Loans Company or any other institution.

Your fee status is usually determined based on the information provided in your formal application. We cannot assess your fee status before receiving a formal application, but you can visit the UKCISA website for further guidance on your likely classification.

If additional information is required to accurately determine your fee status, we will request a completed Fee Status Assessment Form along with supporting documents. This form should be completed and returned promptly, usually within two weeks, to the specified email address. Failure to return the form and documentation within the given timeframe may result in the withdrawal of your application.

We aim to review completed Fee Status Assessment Forms within 10 working days, although this may take longer during peak periods. Complex cases may require additional time to ensure an accurate decision is made.

If the form is incomplete or supporting documentation is missing, we may need to contact you for clarification. This may delay the fee status decision and could also prevent us from communicating the academic outcome of your application. Cardiff Metropolitan University is not responsible for any missed academic or application deadlines resulting from delays in fee status assessment.

If you disagree with the fee status decision, you may submit an appeal, with supporting evidence, within 14 days of the decision or before enrolling on your course, whichever comes first. Appeals should be sent by email to the Admissions Manager. After enrolment, appeals will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as if you are granted refugee status or UK citizenship.

Any adjustments to your fee status will only apply to the next academic year and are at the discretion of the Head of Admissions. You should inform the Head of Admissions if your circumstances change. The University reserves the right to amend a fee status immediately if new information emerges that affects your classification.

Asylum seekers are generally classified as international students for fee purposes due to their temporary residency status. However, Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to supporting access to higher education. Therefore, asylum seekers who have not received a scholarship will be charged the same fees as home students rather than the higher international rate.

Please note that obtaining a new nationality, such as British citizenship, may affect your fee status or eligibility for Student Support. If you or a family member with Refugee Status are considering applying for citizenship, please be aware of the potential impact on your fee status.

When requested, you may need to provide one or more of the following documents to support your fee status assessment:

Proof of nationality:

• A scan/photo of your passport photo page
• Certificate of registration confirming your status as a British citizen

Proof of immigration status:

• UKVI share code
• Both sides of your biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Both sides of your application registration card (ARC)
• Home Office letter(s)

Proof of relationship to a relevant family member:

• Marriage certificate/civil partnership schedule
• Birth/adoption certificate

Evidence of temporary absence (if applicable):

• Temporary work contract(s) showing start and end dates of employment
• Details of all return trips to the UK, including the reason for your visit and accommodation details
• Evidence of property ownership in the UK, including proof that it has been used as your family home (e.g., Council Tax documents, utility bills)