Student Finance England - Student Finance England funding

What Student Finance England gives you

You can take out a loan from the UK government to study a full-time undergraduate degree in England, for example at UWE Bristol. There are two main types of loan. A Tuition Fee Loan covers your tuition fees in full, up to around 11,200 euros per year (9,790 GBP in 2026/27). It is paid directly to your university. A Maintenance Loan helps with living costs such as rent, food and travel. It is paid into your bank account in three instalments throughout the year. If you do not live with your parents, you can receive up to around 12,500 euros per year (10,830 GBP). If you live with your parents, the maximum amount is around 10,400 euros (9,118 GBP). How much you receive depends on your household income. You may also be entitled to additional, non-repayable support, for example if you have children, a disability or a low income.

These are loans, not grants. You do not start repaying them until you have completed your studies and are earning more than approximately 28,600 euros per year (25,000 GBP). You then pay 9% of the amount you earn above this threshold. Any outstanding balance after 40 years will be written off. Student loans do not appear on your credit record.

Who can apply

• Where you live: They normally live in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own systems.
• Level: You are starting a full-time degree programme at undergraduate level.
• Start date: Your course starts before 31 December 2026. Courses starting from 1 January 2027 are covered by a new scheme, the right to lifelong learning.
• Field of study: All participants are suitable.
• Previous study: If you already hold a higher education qualification, your entitlement to the tuition fee loan may be reduced or withdrawn entirely.
• Income check: The tuition fee loan is means-tested. The living costs loan, on the other hand, is means-tested. It is calculated on the basis of your parents’ household income if you are younger than 25, or on the basis of your own income or that of your partner if you are 25 or older, or if you are classified as a self-supporting student.

How to apply

You apply for funding online via the official ‘Student Finance’ portal on gov.uk. You must reapply every year, and it takes around four weeks to process your application. You should therefore submit your application well in advance of the start of your course. Try to submit your application by the end of May.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a selection process. If you live in England, meet the residency and study requirements, and have not already used up your funding on a previous degree, you will receive a loan to cover your tuition fees and a loan to cover your living costs. The amount you receive for living costs increases as your household income decreases, so those on lower incomes receive more. Make sure you apply for funding in good time so that the money is available when you start your course.