Fee reduction scheme
The fee reduction scheme was created to support students who are living in the UK and wish to study at university, but because of their immigration status, their options are limited (i.e. they are charged international fees and have no access to student finance).
This fee reduction scheme will support students who are ordinarily resident in the UK but are considered an International student for fee paying purposes, with a partial fee scholarship. The scheme will provide funding to reduce the fee rate from the International rate to the Home rate. Applicants will need to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the Home rate of fee, as well as any course and living costs for the duration of study. Different fee rates for Home and International students are listed on each course page of our website.
The fee reduction scheme is granted to selected students after application - applying does not guarantee the scholarship.
In previous years, the funding has supported students who are resident in the UK and who have secured regular employment, have savings or other scholarships to cover the Home rate of fee.
Eligibility
This fee reduction scheme is only available to those who meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Relevant courses
- You must have been offered a place at Birkbeck for 2026/27 on one of the following courses:
- Undergraduate: BA, BSc, LLB
- Postgraduate: MA, MSc, LLM, Graduate Certificate, PG Certificate, PG Diploma
- Students studying a master’s degree (MA, MSc, LLM), or undergraduate degree (BA, BSc, LLB) must have applied to study part-time or be willing to switch to part-time study.
- You must be applying to study on a Birkbeck programme that is based at our Bloomsbury campus in London (this includes programmes delivered online).
- If there is a particular reason why you need to study full-time (for example an external scholarship), then please email us to discuss.
- You must have been offered a place at Birkbeck for 2026/27 on one of the following courses:
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Status
- You must have one of the following statuses and be able to demonstrate this through an ARC card or E-Visa share code:
- Asylum seeker
- Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR)
- Limited Leave to Remain (LLR)
- Note: Work and Student visas are not eligible for this scheme
- Please note if you have asylum seeker status, you may be eligible for The Compass Sanctuary Scholarship.
- You must have one of the following statuses and be able to demonstrate this through an ARC card or E-Visa share code:
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Other eligibility requirements
- You must also:
- currently reside in the UK and have lived in the UK for a minimum of 18 months before your course start date
- be permitted to study in line with Home Office conditions
- must not be reliant on an International Student Visa
- be able to provide evidence that you are able to cover the Home rate of tuition fees, living and course costs for the current academic year (e.g. income from permanent employment, savings or third party sponsor). You must provide proof of this with your application.
- be classified as 'international' for fee purposes.
- Further details on eligibility criteria can be found on the online application form.
- You must also:
How to apply
Please complete this application form by Friday 31 July at 5pm and ensure all relevant documentation has been sent by then too.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us.