UK Government - Tuition Fee Loan

Tuition Fee Loan (Student Finance England / Wales)

You will receive a loan of up to about 11,300 EUR per year (up to £9,790 in 2026/27), which will cover your full tuition fees at UWE Bristol. This is a government loan, not a UWE scholarship. You apply for it through ‘Student Finance England’ or ‘Student Finance Wales’, and the money is paid directly to the university, not into your own account. You can also borrow a smaller amount (or none at all) and pay the difference yourself. Tuition fees rise annually by around £250 in line with the rate of inflation, and a placement year costs less, so you can borrow a smaller amount for that. You only start repaying the loan after you have completed your degree, and only once your income exceeds a set threshold.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You will start a full-time Bachelor’s degree at UWE Bristol on 31 December 2026.
• Where you live: You usually live in England or Wales. Students from Scotland or Northern Ireland should apply for funding through their respective organisations (SAAS or Student Finance NI) instead.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Financial need: There are no eligibility criteria. The loan does not depend on your parents’ income or your own income, so anyone who meets the criteria can apply.
• Previous study: Your entitlement may be reduced if you have previously completed a degree course, even if you paid the relevant fees yourself.

How to apply

You apply for funding directly to Student Finance England at gov.uk/student-finance or to Student Finance Wales. The deadline is 31 May, and you must reapply for each new academic year. UWE Bristol automatically confirms your enrolment with Student Finance each term, so you do not need to arrange the payment yourself.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based grant, but an entitlement: if you meet the residence and enrolment requirements, you will receive the loan. The only real restrictions are the rules regarding previous periods of study and the need to submit your application by the deadline. Please submit your application in good time before the deadline on 31 May to ensure that your funding is secured by the start of your studies.