On 13 February 2020 the High Court held that the student finance regulations discriminated against domestic violence survivors. As a result of the case the student finance regulations have been amended. PILC has written a fact sheet on the new eligibility criteria for survivors of domestic abuse.
Background
Our client’s ex-partner had withheld her immigration documents. This led to her spousal visa not being renewed in time. Our client ended up being unlawfully in the UK for nearly a year through no fault of her own.
Without student funding, our client incurred significant debt with her university and was forced to withdraw from her studies.
Change in the law
A student who has been granted indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a victim of domestic abuse is now eligible to receive a student loan straight away.
This case is an important victory for migrant women who experience domestic violence. Access to student finance will make it easier for women to leave and rebuild their lives independently. The full judgment can be read here.
