French Citizen 20+ years in UK, PR application

[arbit3r]

I am a French passport holder. I have lived in the UK since 1991. I was just 3 years of age when I arrived.

I attended primary school, secondary, sixth form and then university for 4 years, finally graduating in 2011.

During any 5 year period I did not spend more then 450 days outside of the country as I only visited family back home during Christmas and some summers.

I then spent 18 months backpacking after graduation, first in South East Asia and then in Australia. I returned within 12 months during my first trip to South East Asia and then within 6 months from my second trip to Australia.

I am seeking to apply for PR claiming 5 years as a student during my 20+ years here, however it quite clearly states that one must not have left the country for a period greater then 6 months in a year.

I don't quite understand if this means 6 months total in a given year within the 5 years which I will be claiming in my application or in any given year since I arrived in the UK?

If someone could shed some light on this that would be very much appreciated.