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Funding

How Student Finance can pay for your studies.

Eligible students usually pay nothing up front. This page explains how Student Finance England works for the 2026/27 academic year, with the official figures and what repayment looks like.

Two loans

Tuition and living costs

The first loan pays your course fees and the second helps with living costs. You can apply for either or both.

Part one

Tuition fee loan

Pays your course fees and goes directly to the university, so you never handle the money. For 2026/27 it's up to £9,790 per year.

Up to
£9,790per year, paid to the university
Part two

Maintenance loan

Paid to you in instalments to help with rent, travel and bills. The amount depends on where you study and on your household income.

Studying in London
£7,039 – £14,135per year
Studying outside London
up to £10,830per year

Up to £23,925 a year in total

That's the maximum tuition fee loan plus the maximum London maintenance loan. Your own amount depends on your course, location and household income, and we help you estimate it.

Repayment

Repayments are linked to your income

Student loans are repaid differently from a bank loan. You pay a share of your income above a set threshold, and only while you earn above it. Under Plan 5:

  • You repay 9% of what you earn above £25,000 a year.
  • In any month you earn under the threshold, you repay nothing.
  • If you're employed, repayments are taken through payroll, the same way as tax.
  • Any balance left at the end of the repayment term is written off.

Example monthly repayments

For illustration only: 9% of annual earnings above £25,000.

Earning £25,000
£0per month
Earning £30,000
≈ £37per month (9% of £5,000)
Earning £35,000
≈ £75per month (9% of £10,000)

Applying

How we help with your funding application

Many people find this stage the most confusing, so we go through it with you.

1

We review your likely eligibility

Eligibility depends on your residency, your status in the UK and any previous study at the same level. We go through these with you before you apply.

2

You apply to Student Finance England with our help

We explain each section of the application and help you gather the right documents, so it isn't held up.

3

Your funding is confirmed

Your tuition fee loan is paid to the university and your maintenance loan payments are scheduled to you, so your funding is arranged before your course begins.

Please note: whether you qualify, and for how much, depends on your individual circumstances. We'll tell you plainly what you can realistically expect, but we cannot guarantee funding.

Funding questions

Common funding questions

Do I have to pay anything up front?
For most eligible students, no. The tuition fee loan goes directly to the university and the maintenance loan is paid to you. Repayment starts later, and only once you earn more than £25,000 a year.
What if I've studied at this level before?
Previous study can affect your entitlement, but there are exceptions, so it may still be possible. We look at your study history when you contact us.
Does the maintenance loan depend on my income?
Yes. The amount depends on your household income and where you'll study, with higher rates in London. We help you estimate where you're likely to fall.
What happens if I can't repay it all?
Repayments pause whenever your income falls below the threshold, and any outstanding balance is written off at the end of the repayment term.
Can you guarantee I'll get funding?
No. Funding decisions are made by Student Finance England based on your circumstances, so no adviser can promise it. We can review your situation, help you submit a complete application and tell you plainly how likely it is.

Find out what funding could apply to you

Send us a few details and an adviser will go through your course and funding options with you. Free, with no obligation.

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All figures on this page are for the 2026/27 academic year, are provided by Student Finance England, and are subject to change. They are shown for general guidance and do not constitute financial advice or a guarantee of funding. Your entitlement depends on your individual circumstances. For official information, refer to the UK government's Student Finance service.