Hi Bessie,
we are currently researching the same issue, we arrived on a 457 visa in May 2010 and our daughter is now in Y12, she wants to return to the UK to study law. As our 2 sons remained in the Uk we have decided to return home in May 2014, to start uni Sept 2014. We decided to email a few uni's in UK and were surprised to find out just because you are a UK citizen with a British passport, it doesn't automatically allow you admission as a 'home' student to uni. The important issue is where you have been living in the 3 years preceding application to uni.It is ultimately at the discretion of each uni whether they charge you home or overseas rates when they assess your application, but we were in discussions with York uni and went through due process to obtain as status in our personal situation.
As we came out on a 457 on a temporary status, we had to prove that it was only ever our intention to stay here temporarily-which was a worry as we applied for PR following the LAFAH debacle. The uni wanted proof that we still had our house in the UK (rental agreement/mortgage payments), proof of bank accounts, passports, employment contract and visas to support our claim of temporary status. We also enclosed a covering note saying the only reason we obtained PR was to allow my husband to change jobs. On consideration-they classed us as 'ordinarily resident' and would qualify for home fees, but each uni will do the assessment themselves.
I suppose if your friend entered Aus as a PR, or has become PR, then the situation would be different. Needless to say we wont be applying for citizenship before uni placement in UK is granted!
