It has been reassuring to hear that it is not 'cut and dried' and that time abroad during that three years does not necessarily mean being classed as a foreigner! I can also see it is important to get the sequence right, that is to say, to get the place first and then later to start negotiating with a different department concerning the fee status. Thank you for your help.

That is interesting. Thank you. So, as far as you understand the status of ordinarily resident or not boils down to convincing the university. Is it not a term which refers to the tax status of an individual's parents? I have found this seems a somewhat nebulous area, not a straightforward definition by any means. I do not know whether to try and seek out an accountant or an international schools counsellor. I wonder where I might get further advice on this matter. Have you any suggestions perhaps referring to your friend's experience? Thank you for any help.

Thanks for the advice.

One of the sites you suggested has already yielded a worthwhile line of enquiry. May have to give up the day job though!

Thanks you for your useful advice. I will start looking into the scholarship option now. We are working at a start-up school so not sure how developed the school counsellor role may be! You may be

Was wondering if the only options are to return to teach in UK or to end up paying the overseas student fees. I do not think I could abandon just one! Have no idea how one approaches the scholarship option. Any suggestions?

Can anybody give me any further information on the subject of avoiding paying the fees of an overseas student when attending a UK university. We are British nationals and I understand the basic rule is that a prospective undergraduate has to be resident in the UK for three years prior to starting undergrad. course in order to be classed as a 'home' student. I am sure there are all sorts of nuances and different ways of looking at this. I would be grateful if anybody can give me any further info. Thanks.