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Postgraduate students

Where you're from and where you live also helps determine what kinds of funding you can get. Read both the options and decide which one applies to you.

  • Northern Ireland student

    Northern Ireland students or 'NI students' are not just students from Northern Ireland. Your nationality is important but is not the only consideration. You're an NI student if you're any of the following:

    • a UK or ROI national who has been living in Northern Ireland for 3 years before the start date of your course
    • an EU national who has been living in Northern Ireland for 3 years before the start date of your course
    • an eligible exception residency type such as a refugee, stateless person or humanitarian protection

    If you're not able to identify as a Northern Ireland student you may still be eligible for funding as a European Union student.

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  • European Union student (including ROI)

    EU students are from the European Union, including the Republic of Ireland (ROI), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and all of the following:

    • not able to identify as a Northern Ireland student
    • lived in the EU including the Republic of Ireland, EEA or Switzerland for at least 3 years before the start date of your course
    • will live in Northern Ireland on or before the first day of the first term of your course.

    If you're not able to identify as either a Northern Ireland student or European Union student you may not be eligible for funding from Student Finance NI. Your university or college may be able to tell you about possible alternative sources of funding.

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