UK Government - Maintenance  loans

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You will receive up to about EUR 12,100 per year (up to £10,544 for 2025/26) as a grant towards your living costs whilst studying at the University of Hertfordshire. This is a repayable government loan from Student Finance England, not a grant. It is intended to cover rent, food and travel costs. The amount will be paid directly into your bank account, usually in three instalments spread throughout the year. The amount depends on where you live whilst studying, as well as your household income. If you live at home with your parents, you will receive up to around 10,200 euros (£8,877); if you do not live at home, the maximum amount is higher. You will only start repaying the loan once your annual earnings exceed £27,295, at a rate of 9% of the income in excess of that amount. Any remaining balance after 40 years will be written off. You can also apply for a separate loan to cover your tuition fees.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK.
• Level: You are a Bachelor’s student. Some Master’s programmes are also eligible, including the PGCE, MArch in Architecture and Urban Planning, and healthcare programmes such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, nutritional science, radiology and paramedicine.
• Study mode: You are studying full-time or part-time on a degree programme leading to a full qualification. Distance learners may also be eligible if a disability prevents them from attending classes in person.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: You are a UK home student. Some EU citizens with permanent or similar residence status may also be eligible, depending on the circumstances.
• Household income: You will receive a minimum amount without a means test. To receive more, you and your family must declare your household income.
• Not eligible: International students, most other postgraduate students, students on preparatory courses and students on dual study programmes are not eligible for this loan.

How to apply

You can apply for funding for the academic year 2026/27 online via your Student Finance England account. New students should submit their application by 15. May 2026, whilst students already enrolled must submit their application by 19 June 2026. Please have your National Insurance number to hand. If your loan is means-tested, your parents or partner may need to provide details of their income.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an award granted on a competitive basis. It is a standard government loan; so if you are a UK home student enrolled on an eligible degree programme at the University of Hertfordshire, you will receive it. The only variable is the amount you receive, which depends on your living arrangements and household income – not on your grades or a selection process. Apply for the loan by the deadline for your academic year to ensure the money is available when you start your studies.