Originally Posted by workman

I think it goes back to the traditional sense that being a citizen of a certain country should confer certain privileges whether or not you live in that country; the sense of belonging somewhere and having a "home."

In my case we left England 7 years ago to work as volunteers with a charity in the 3rd world. We don't have a wage - we live on donations. Yes, it was our choice to do that.

Prior to leaving we worked and paid our dues in taxes. We would like to think that when we return, our teenage children will be able to have a UK uni education; however, it seems unless the law changes, then that will depend on whether the links we've maintained with the UK, and the annual renewable nature of our contract abroad will allow us to be treated as temporarily employed abroad.

If not, probably a UK uni education would be closed to our children, which is a pity since where we live there is no adequate University education for foreigners.

It does seem a shame that citizenship doesn't mean what it used to, especially when privileges are granted to other EU citizens who have NEVER paid tax in the UK and not to British citizens who have and who resume paying when they return home.

If anyone can advise on how to approach proving the "temporary"nature of employment abroad I would be grateful, I've not found much specific to that on the web.

Originally Posted by ezzie

Yes, totally concur with you workman. My whole point being that being a citizen should confer some rights, but this is only the case if you move to certain countries....moving to countries such as Australia means you lose your rights. Very unfair. Where have you been volunteering and doing what....sorry to be nosey, but it does sound very interesting!

Originally Posted by chicagojlo

I think it's absurd that people who have never lived in a country and who's parents have paid little or no tax should be entitled to a reduced rate university education in that country simply because they have citizenship.
I can't imagine the rule ever being changed in the way you want for the simple fact that there would be way too many British citizens sending their previously non-resident kids over for a (nearly) free education then shipping them back out again.

Originally Posted by workman

If not, probably a UK uni education would be closed to our children,

Originally Posted by workman

It does seem a shame that citizenship doesn't mean what it used to, especially when privileges are granted to other EU citizens who have NEVER paid tax in the UK and not to British citizens who have and who resume paying when they return home.

Originally Posted by tillysmum

Yes pooling residence rights is great if it works both ways, but how many UK residents realistically will go to other European countries to study at University, not many in comparison to those who go to the UK.

Originally Posted by tillysmum

As for students being adults yes thats quite true but why should children (of British Citizens) suffer because their parents myself included have dragged them half way round the world.

Originally Posted by tillysmum

I think also that in the eyes of Higher Education a student is still see as dependent on parents whilst under 25 unless they are married or have lived away from home for 3 years?

Originally Posted by Giantaxe

Through EU membership, the UK has chosen to pool certain residence rights.

As to paid tax, who are you talking about here? Most students are adults who legally are responsible for paying their own fees. Why is it unfair to expect somke kind of nexus between a student and the UK in order for that student to be able to get residential tuition rates?

Originally Posted by Ozzidoc

No. Not exactly true

To be eligible for home fees, they would have to live in the UK for the three years prior to their course's start date.

Attending university straight after high school appears to be a closed option for them. However, many, many people attend uni in their 20s, 30s 40s etc.

Buena suerte.

Originally Posted by workman

Technically and legally, yes, the students are adults responsible for their own fees. But unless I'm mistaken it is the parents' income that is means-tested in order to establish levels of financial support, demonstrating that practically it is the parents who shoulder that burden.

Originally Posted by workman

Hence in referring to paid tax I'm talking about people like me who paid and will pay on returning to the UK.

Originally Posted by workman

You are right, it is not unfair to expect some kind of nexus between the student and the UK. The nexus is that they are British citizens and the likelihood is that they will return to their home country when they are no longer dependent on me.

Originally Posted by workman

Yes, they could return at age 18, work for 3 or 4 years then go to University and they may well choose to do that.

Originally Posted by workman

However the ideal would be for them to be able to complete their degrees on the same timescale as most resident UK citizens
(and all the EU citizens who can, due to the pooling of residence rights, take advantage of a UK state-sponsored education to which they have in no way contributed financially and many of whom will not stay to further develop their nexus.)

Originally Posted by workman

Good point. I just meant if we don't return to the UK for the 3 years prior, and if we can't afford full foreign-student fees, it would be closed to them.

Originally Posted by tillysmum

my eldest daughter is 25 and when she was going through Uni we received forms each year which we had to complete and the main purpose of the form was to establish our income.

The gap between domestic and international fees in some Universities is huge 12,000 pounds as opposed to just 3,000 per academic year thats 27,000 Uk pounds over a 3 year course.

Originally Posted by workman

I think it goes back to the traditional sense that being a citizen of a certain country should confer certain privileges whether or not you live in that country; the sense of belonging somewhere and having a "home."

Originally Posted by tillysmum

Yes pooling residence rights is great if it works both ways, but how many UK residents realistically will go to other European countries to study at University, not many in comparison to those who go to the UK. As for students being adults yes thats quite true but why should children (of British Citizens) suffer because their parents myself included have dragged them half way round the world.

Originally Posted by workman

You are right, it is not unfair to expect some kind of nexus between the student and the UK. The nexus is that they are British citizens and the likelihood is that they will return to their home country when they are no longer dependent on me.

Originally Posted by ezzie

Could everyone please sign this e-petition on the British Gov. site. Who knows, it might just get some attention and could well benefit your own kids in the future: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Unfair-Uni-Fees/
We thought we wanted to stay in Oz for good, but are now looking to go home with our teen children and realise how you become a 2nd class citizen practically as soon as you step outside the EU. Please, please sign this, you don't have to live in the UK still to do so. Thanks & please pass it on.

If a British citizen has been living out of the country, they are required to pay 'overseas' fees in order to attend a British university if they have not been resident back in Britain for 3 years. This is regardless of the amount of tax they or their parents have paid over the years. Meanwhile, students from the EU are entitled to and English university education paying only 'home' rates. It is unfair and prevents British citizens returning with their children, whilst encouraging EU students. Surely we should be encouraging British citizens to return home with their British children..who have not had a say in where their parents lived but wish to study and work in Britain.