time before marriage counts towards 5 years of UK residence?

[SisterNura]

Hi,

my non-EU husband was in the UK on a student visa for 3 years. He left to go back home, we got married in his country and he will return to the UK soon on a EEA family permit. I know that his PR can be attained by living in the UK for 5 years with absences of 6 months maximum per year and one absence of total of 12 months for certain purposes. He will be within this time frame of absence from the UK.
My question is, does his time being on the student visa in the UK and us not being married during that time count towards his 5 year residence or not? Does he only have to complete another 2 years of living here once he returns to the UK to get his PR?
Thanks!

[Casa]

No it doesn't count. The clock will be reset when he re-enters the UK.

[sheraz7]

The time he spends on tier 4 was under UK PBS system but in order to acquire PR under EU route he will have to spend further 5 years.