Student Loan for Maintenance (Maintenance Loan)

What the Maintenance Loan gives you

You get a UK government loan to cover your living costs while you study: rent, food, books, travel and everyday expenses. The amount depends on where you study and your household income. Studying in London, you can borrow up to about EUR 16,600 per year (GBP 14,135). Living at your parents' home, up to about EUR 10,700 (GBP 9,118). Studying elsewhere in the UK, up to about EUR 12,700 (GBP 10,830). Studying abroad as part of your course, up to about EUR 14,600 (GBP 12,403). Around half of the maximum is means-tested, meaning it depends on what your family earns. The money is paid straight into your bank account in three instalments, one at the start of each term. Remember it is a loan, not a grant. You pay it back once you have left your course and earn above a set income (9% of what you earn over the threshold), and interest is charged from the day you take it out.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a UK "home" student, meaning a UK citizen or someone with settled residency in the UK. Some non-UK students can also qualify.
• Course level: You are on a full-time undergraduate or PGCE (teacher training) course. This covers a first degree (BA, BSc, BEd), a Foundation Degree, Initial Teacher Training, an integrated master's, or a pre-registration postgraduate healthcare course.
• Where you study: Your course is in the UK.
• First degree only: You are studying for your first higher education qualification. If you have studied before, funding is usually limited.
• Part-time option: Part-time study is allowed if your course runs at 25% intensity or more.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

You apply online through the UK government at gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance. Processing takes about four weeks, so apply as early as you can, and reapply each academic year. If your income is being assessed, you will need to provide proof of your household income.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship. It is a standard government loan, so everyone who meets the rules receives it. If you are a UK home student on your first full-time degree, you will get the loan. The only question is the exact amount, which depends on your household income and where you live. Just apply early, as processing takes around four weeks and your first payment needs to clear before enrolment.