Student Finance
A clear, current guide to tuition fees, Maintenance Loans, extra support, eligibility, applications, payments and repayments.
Student Finance explained simply
Watch our short guide to understand what Student Finance can cover, how applications work and when repayments may begin.
What Student Finance can cover
Eligible students can usually apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. The exact amount depends on the course, provider, household income and where you live while studying.
Tuition Fee Loan
Up to this amount for a standard full-time undergraduate year in 2026/27. It is paid directly to the university or college.
Maintenance Loan
Maximum for eligible students living away from parents and studying in London in 2026/27. Household income affects the amount.
Accelerated degree
Maximum Tuition Fee Loan for an eligible accelerated degree in 2026/27.
Foundation year tuition has separate limits
For 2026/27, a classroom-based foundation year integrated into subjects such as business, social sciences or humanities can receive up to £5,760. Partly practical subjects can receive up to £9,790.
How much could you receive?
These are maximum amounts for new full-time students in 2026/27. Your actual entitlement may be lower and is normally assessed using household income and living arrangements.
| Where you live during study | Maximum for 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Living with parents | £9,118 |
| Living away from parents, outside London | £10,830 |
| Living away from parents, in London | £14,135 |
| Studying abroad as part of a UK course | £12,403 |
| Aged 60 or over on the first day of the course | £4,582 |
Maintenance is normally paid into your bank account at the start of each term after your university or college confirms registration. Tuition is paid directly to the provider.
Extra support you may be able to get
These grants and allowances are normally paid in addition to student loans and do not usually need to be repaid. Each has its own eligibility test.
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Up to £27,783 in 2026/27 for study-related costs caused by a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. Based on needs, not household income.
Undergraduate & postgraduateChildcare Grant
Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, capped at £199.62 per week for one child or £342.24 for two or more.
Full-time students with childrenParents’ Learning Allowance
Means-tested support of up to £2,024 for 2026/27 to help with study costs if you are a full-time student with children.
Depends on household incomeAdult Dependants’ Grant
Means-tested support of up to £3,545 for 2026/27 if an adult depends on you financially. New rules apply where a dependant is ordinarily resident overseas.
Individual assessmentStudent Finance for a Master’s Degree
If you are eligible for Student Finance England and your course starts on or after 1 August 2026, you can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £13,206 for the whole course.
Maximum for the whole course
One loan can help with both tuition fees and living costs. The amount is not based on your income or your family’s income.
Paid into your bank account
You decide how to divide it between university fees, rent and other living costs. If your fees are higher than the loan, you must cover the difference.
Instalments each academic year
For a course lasting more than one year, the total loan is split equally across the years. Each year is then paid as 33%, 33% and 34%.
One budget — not two separate loans
Unlike undergraduate funding, there is no separate Maintenance Loan for a postgraduate Master’s course. You need to plan one budget for tuition fees and living costs.
of income above £21,000
Repayments normally begin from April after you finish or leave the course, and only when your earnings are above the current postgraduate threshold. If you earn £21,000 or less, repayment is £0.
Example: income of £25,000 a year
- £25,000 − £21,000 = £4,000
- 6% of £4,000 = £240 per year
- That is about £20 per month as an annualised example
Actual deductions are calculated by pay period and are normally taken automatically through payroll or Self Assessment.
Key eligibility checks
The course must normally be a full, standalone Master’s worth at least 180 credits and provided by an eligible UK university or college. You must be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year, and nationality and residency rules also apply.
Other practical points: Disabled Students’ Allowance may be available if eligible, but Student Finance England does not provide an Adult Dependants’ Grant, Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance for a Master’s course. Student discounts and travel offers depend on the university or service, and full-time, part-time or flexible study options depend on the course and provider.
Eligibility is personal — not one simple rule
Student Finance England considers several factors together. Do not rely on a single status, age or employment condition. For Top Education's initial course screening, applicants aged 21–56 may be considered without formal qualifications; applicants aged 18–20 need relevant qualifications. Final admission and Student Finance eligibility depend on the course, provider and individual assessment.
The university, college or training provider must offer a qualifying course.
Full-time and some part-time courses qualify; part-time study normally needs at least 25% intensity.
Funding is usually for a first higher education qualification, but exceptions can apply.
Your status and where you normally live determine whether you can receive full support or tuition-only funding.
For courses starting before January 2027, there is no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loans or grants; Maintenance Loan rules differ from age 60.
Household income, dependants, disability, care-leaver status and living arrangements can affect support.
A visa, settled or pre-settled status does not by itself guarantee the same package for everyone. Use the official nationality and residency checker and let SFE make the formal decision.
How to apply, step by step
You do not need a confirmed university place before starting an application. Use your preferred course and update the details later if they change.
Create or sign in to your account
Apply through the official Student Finance England service on GOV.UK.
Add your course and living details
Enter the provider, course, year, study intensity and where you expect to live.
Request the support you need
Select Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and any relevant grants or allowances.
Provide evidence
SFE may request identity, residency, household income, partner or dependant evidence.
Track the application online
Processing usually takes around four weeks, and longer if more evidence is required.
Keep details up to date
Report changes to your course, provider, address, living arrangements, income or bank account.
Apply early — but late applications are still possible
For the standard system, GOV.UK says you can apply up to nine months after the start of your academic year. Applying early reduces the risk of delayed maintenance payments.
Repayment is based on income, not the balance
Most new undergraduate borrowers in England whose course began on or after 1 August 2023 are on Plan 5.
of income above £25,000
The £25,000 yearly threshold applies to Plan 5 in the 2026/27 tax year. If your income falls below the relevant pay-period threshold, deductions stop.
Current Plan 5 facts
- The current interest rate is 3.2% up to 31 August 2026.
- Interest is added even while income is below the repayment threshold.
- Repayments are normally deducted through payroll or Self Assessment.
- Plan 5 balances are generally written off 40 years after repayments become due, subject to the applicable terms.
Rates and thresholds can change. Always check your own repayment plan and the latest GOV.UK figures.
Course starts on or after 1 January 2027?
For most eligible Level 4–6 courses and some Level 7 study, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) becomes the main student finance system. Applications open from September 2026 and funding is calculated using course credits.
SFE FAQ
Can full-time students receive Universal Credit?
Usually not, but there are exceptions — for example, some students responsible for a child or with certain disability-related circumstances. Maintenance Loan entitlement can reduce Universal Credit, even if you do not take the full loan. Ask DWP or a qualified benefits adviser for a personal calculation.
When will my Maintenance Loan be paid?
Normally at the start of each term after your university or college confirms registration. Check your online account for the scheduled amount and date, and make sure your bank details are correct.
Can I get funding if I studied before?
Possibly. Previous higher education study normally affects entitlement, but exceptions exist for some courses and personal circumstances. SFE must assess this individually.
What happens if I suspend or leave my course?
Tell the university and SFE immediately. Your entitlement will be reassessed. You may need to return any Maintenance Loan paid for time after your last attendance date, while valid tuition support already paid normally remains part of your loan balance.
Does Student Finance affect my immigration status?
Student finance eligibility and immigration status are separate legal questions. Do not assume that being eligible for one automatically confirms the other. If this matters for your status, obtain regulated immigration advice.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Yes. Student finance is normally an annual application, even when your course and circumstances have not changed.
Check the source before you apply
This page is a practical summary. Final entitlement is decided by Student Finance England under the rules that apply to your course and circumstances.
- Student finance for new full-time undergraduates
- Eligibility for undergraduate student finance
- Postgraduate Master’s Loan: amount and payments
- Postgraduate Master’s Loan: eligibility
- Apply online for student finance
- 2026/27 living-cost support and targeted grants
- Repayment thresholds, rates and interest
- Student finance and LLE for courses starting from January 2027
- Universal Credit and students
Top Education is an independent education consultancy. We are not Student Finance England, the Student Loans Company or a government body. This guide is general information, not financial, legal, benefits or immigration advice.
Need help choosing the right course?
Our team can explain your study options and help you prepare for the university application process. Student Finance England makes the final funding decision.