If you are heading to university for the first time or returning for another year, one of the biggest questions you might be asking is: how much can I get in a student loan in the UK? With living costs and tuition fees on the rise, understanding what you are entitled to is key for planning your finances and your student experience.
When it comes to funding your university education in the UK, there are several types of student loans available, each with its own repayment terms and eligibility criteria. The four main loan plans are Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 4 and Postgraduate Loan.
Each plan has different repayment thresholds, interest rates and terms, so it is important to know which one you are on.
In the UK, student finance is split into two main loans:
Covers your course fees (up to £9,250 per year). It’s paid directly to your university.
Helps with living costs such as rent, food, travel, and social life. This is paid into your bank account at the start of each term.
The amount of money you get depends on a few factors:
London students can get more to account for higher living costs.
The lower your household income, the more support you may be eligible for.
Students living away from home generally receive more.
In 2025/26 Academic Year, the maximum Maintenance Loan for a student living away from home and studying outside London is £10,544 per year.
Applying for a student loan in the UK is relatively straightforward process, but it is important to understand the steps involved before you get started. Applications are handled by Student Finance England. It is best to apply early to ensure your funding is in place before your course begins.
Here is what to expect:
The sooner you apply, the smoother your funding experience will be, especially as payment timelines can affect your ability to register or move into accommodation.
Yes, you do have to apply for a student loan every year of your course. Here is a quick breakdown of what that means:
Student loan payments are typically made in three instalments throughout the academic year. At the start of each term, September, January and April. One at the start of each term. These payments are sent directly to your bank account by Student Finance England, once your university confirms your registration.
You will get your payment 3-5 working days after your university confirms your registration. This applies every year of your course.
For international students, UK academic years are split into three terms. Autumn (Sept-Dec), Spring (Jan-Mar) and Summer (April-June). Your loan aligns with these.
You will only start repaying your student loan after you have graduated and are earning over the repayment threshold, currently £27,295 a year for plan 2 loans.
Repayments are taken automatically from your salary and are designed to be manageable. If your income drops below the threshold, repayments stop. And if your loan isn’t fully repaid after 30 years, it is written off.
Repayments are automatically taken from your wages through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system, so you do not need to do anything once you are working and earning above the threshold. Here is how it works:
You will also be able to track your repayments and loan balance online through your student loan company account.
Student loans can seem confusing, but knowing what you are eligible for makes all the difference. At Unilife, we support students with all aspects of university life, including financial wellbeing. Every Unilife resident has access to Health Assured, our dedicated health and wellbeing plan. This includes confidential financial advice from trained professionals who can help you budget, plan, and feel confident about your money. For more info, click here.
If you are unsure about your application or need support settling into life in the UK, our Unilife team is available to help.
Email: [email protected] Call: +44(0)7446 271361
We help many international students feel at home, and we would love to welcome you too.
