British / Irish
Usually strong routeTypically checked for England residence, course designation and previous study.
Check eligibility →
Three instalments a year for rent, food and travel. The amount depends on where you live and your household income.
The maintenance loan is income-assessed. The amount you receive depends on your household income — not just your own. Lower household income = higher maintenance support.
Unlike the tuition fee loan — which goes straight to your university — the maintenance loan is paid into your bank account to help you cover living costs while studying.
You can spend it on whatever you need: rent, bills, food, travel, childcare or course materials.
The maximums below apply to full-time students. Part-time students receive reduced amounts. These are the highest possible figures — most students receive less based on their household income.
| Living situation | Maximum 2026/27 | Minimum (high income) |
|---|---|---|
| Living away — outside London | £10,830 | £5,048 |
| Living away — in London | £14,135 | £7,039 |
| Living at home | £9,118 | £4,013 |
| Studying — year abroad | £12,953 | £6,533 |
2026/27 SFE published maximums. Actual entitlement varies by household income. Verify at gov.uk/student-finance.
Student Finance as one guided path — not a wall of forms. Hover any step to see what happens and what we help you with.
Check immigration status, home address and 3-year residence before anything else.
A live estimate that updates as you choose — income, living situation and study mode. 2026/27 figures.
Full-time undergraduate study at designated UK providers. Coverage depends on qualification level and study intensity — not subject.
A course can be eligible for tuition funding but not for maintenance support — this trips up many adult learners.
Fully online undergraduate courses are not eligible for maintenance loan or grants, except strict DSA cases.
Saturday–Sunday-only programmes are often classed as part-time intensity even when marketed as full-time.
Part-time courses may qualify for tuition support above 25% intensity, but not maintenance loan.
If the provider is not designated by SFE, you usually cannot access tuition or maintenance loans.
A UK degree with a year abroad can be fine; a full overseas course is not maintenance-eligible.
Equivalent or Lower Qualification rules can block new funding, with some exceptions.
If you qualify for Disabled Students' Allowance and your disability means you cannot reasonably study in person, SFE can grant maintenance support for a distance-learning course. This is a strict test, not a workaround. Disabled Students' Allowance →
For a September start, payments typically arrive in September, January and April. Exact dates vary by university.
Under 25 and dependent usually means parents' income. If you're 25+ or independent, your own and partner's income may count.
Divide your annual loan by 12 and budget monthly — term payments need to last through holidays too.
It can affect means-tested benefits like Universal Credit — it's often counted as income. If you currently receive benefits, speak to an adviser before applying.
Everything above is for undergraduate Student Finance. The postgraduate system works differently — and the distance-learning rule does not apply the same way.
Two separate loans
One combined loan
SFE uses a sliding scale. You get the full maintenance maximum at a household income at or below about £25,000, and it gradually reduces to the minimum rate once income reaches roughly £62,410. The exact amount depends on SFE's current assessment — use the calculator for an indicative figure.
Yes — there are additional grants if you have dependent children or an adult dependant. These are grants, not loans.
The at-home rate is lower (up to £9,118) but still substantial support for living costs, and it reduces what you need from other sources.
Part-time undergraduate courses generally do not qualify for the maintenance loan, though tuition support may be available above 25% intensity.
Your maintenance payments usually pause during a leave of absence. Contact SFE and your university as the impact depends on timing and circumstances.
Use the calculator to estimate your loan based on your income, location and living situation.
A quick student-first view before they start an application.
Typically checked for England residence, course designation and previous study.
Check eligibility →Often eligible for tuition and maintenance support if residence rules are met.
Check status →Can be possible, but residence history and category matter. Do not guess.
Ask adviser →Often eligible for strong support, but documents and dates must be checked.
Start review →Students understand finance faster when the process is shown as a journey, not a wall of rules.
Check nationality, immigration status, ordinary residence, age and previous study.
Submit SFE details, evidence and course information early to avoid delayed payments.
Tuition goes to the provider. Maintenance is paid to the student after enrolment confirmation.
Repay only when earning above the threshold. It is income-based, not a normal bank loan.
These blocks should reduce fear and increase adviser enquiries.
| Myth | Reality | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| “Student Finance is like a bank loan.” | Repayment is based on income, not a fixed monthly instalment. | Use the repayment calculator. |
| “I must repay while I study.” | No. Repayment starts only after the course and only above the income threshold. | Check Plan 5 estimate. |
| “If I studied before, I cannot get anything.” | Previous study matters, but rules vary by route and qualification. | Book an adviser review. |
| “Online and weekend courses are always the same.” | Mode and attendance can affect maintenance support. | Check before choosing the course. |
YStudy can check your status, previous study and course type before you submit your application.
This section is ready for detailed content in the next content pass.
This section is ready for detailed content in the next content pass.
This section is ready for detailed content in the next content pass.