EEA Permanent Residence - continuity?

[eniseg]

Hi everyone,
I'm German, I've been studying in the UK since September 2010 to present (BSc, MSc, PhD).

My BSc was September 2010 to December 2012 (final exams, graduation was March 2013).
My MSc only started in September 2013.
Which means I have a nine months long absence. I know this means my continuity of residence has interrupted but for these nine months I was volunteering full-time in a hospital in Germany (vital to successful MSc application), I volunteered full-time for a month in a foundation in Greece and I spent two weeks in China on an academic conference, presenting my BSc poster.

Does this mean I can claim 5.5 out of 9 months absence under Regulation (3)(2)(c) - continuity is not interrupted by absence for important reasons such as study or work?

[noajthan]

Maybe. If you can back up the exceptional reason with supporting evidence from institutions & etc.

Alternately, when did you arrive in UK?
The absence may split to fit as two 'less than 6 month absences' within two 12-month periods based on your anniversary of entry.

[eniseg]

Thanks for the response!
I entered September 21, but my first flat lease starts September 27, 2010 so I'm using that as my starting date. I left on December 17, 2012 and re-entry is September 6, 2013.
I spent a weekend in the UK in March of 2013, to attend my graduation, but I doubt that counts?

I will be able to provide proof that I volunteered in Germany and in Greece, and I'll get a letter from my old uni saying China was important for my academic career.

[noajthan]

Thanks for the response!
I entered September 21, but my first flat lease starts September 27, 2010 so I'm using that as my starting date. I left on December 17, 2012 and re-entry is September 6, 2013.
I spent a weekend in the UK in March of 2013, to attend my graduation, but I doubt that counts?

I will be able to provide proof that I volunteered in Germany and in Greece, and I'll get a letter from my old uni saying China was important for my academic career.

So the absence all falls within one 12 month period.
In that case you will need rock-solid evidence to justify it being an exceptional absence. One that furthered your integration into, and cohesion with, British life.