Is it possible to start a course with the EEA FM Entry clearance and then get the RC? Or forcibly need a Student Visa?

Good Day,

My unmarried partner and I are living in Australia and leaving for the UK first week of August. I am from New Zealand and she is from Sweden.

We were gonna move to the UK with me getting the EEA Family Permit outside the UK and then applying for the Residence Card once she starts her new job in September.

I just for an acceptance letter to start a 2-year uni programme which starts in the second week of August.

My question is, should I get the Tier 4 Student Visa or would the EEA Family Permit be enough to fulfill my entry requirements?

If I enter the UK as a Tier 4 Student, wouldn't it be more difficult to then get switch to a Residence Card?

Thanks a lot in advance

As far as I can see, either way is possible.

The EEA FM is a rights based approach, and it is supposed to be the easier option. However, since you are not married, your application may be put under special scrutiny, which could delay it.

The student visa is a bit more expensive, I think, but it is a straight forward application. You can change from a student visa to a residence card later (but not the other way round). The concern about unmarried partners still applies.

Do you have 2 years proof of cohabitation, joint bank account, joint bills etc, tenancy, they will be looking for 2 years worth, the 2 years is not written down, but is rule of thumb they use.