Welsh Government - Tuition Fee Loan

Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance Wales

You will receive a government loan of up to about EUR 11,205 per year (up to £9,535 in 2025/26) to cover your tuition fees. The money will be paid directly to your university or college, not to you. This is not means-tested, and you can receive it for each academic year. It is a loan, not a grant. You will repay it with interest once you have completed or withdrawn from your course, but only once your income exceeds a certain threshold. For degree programmes specifically designated by the Welsh Ministers, the upper limit is lower, at up to approximately 7,470 euros per year (£6,355). The provider is ‘Student Finance Wales’, an agency of the Welsh Government.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You normally live in Wales and were living there on the first day of your first year of study.
• Residence history: You have lived in the UK and the British Isles for at least 3 years prior to the start of your course.
• Status: You are a British or Irish citizen, or you have ‘Settled Status’ (permanent right of residence). Certain other groups of people are also eligible, including certain EU citizens with ‘Settled Status’ or ‘Pre-Settled Status’, recognised refugees and people who have been granted humanitarian protection.
• Course level: You are currently undertaking your first degree or an equivalent higher education programme, such as a BA, BSc, Foundation Degree, HNC, HND or teacher training (PGCE or ITE).
• Where you study: Your degree programme takes place in the UK, either at a publicly funded university or college, or at a private institution whose degree programme is recognised by the Welsh Government.
• Field of study: Most degree subjects are eligible. Veterinary medicine, social work and architecture are not covered by this loan.
• Previous study: As a rule, this applies only to your first higher education qualification, even if you funded any previous degree programmes yourself. Exceptions include certain degree programmes in the fields of education, medicine and dentistry.
• Age: No age limit.

How to apply

You can apply for funding online via the Student Finance Wales portal or, if you are unable to apply online, using a paper form. There is no fixed application deadline, but you must submit your application no later than 9 months after the start of your academic year. You do not need to have a confirmed place at university to apply.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship, but rather an entitlement. If you meet the eligibility criteria regarding residence, status and course of study, you will receive the loan; your family’s income has no bearing on the amount awarded. Above all, please ensure that your degree programme and your academic record to date meet the requirements, as some subjects and second degrees are excluded. To be on the safe side, apply for the loan within the 9-month window.