The Arts University Bournemouth - Maintenance loan

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You will receive up to about EUR 12,160 per year (up to 10,544 GBP in 2025/26) to cover your costs for rent, food and travel whilst you are studying. This is a government loan from ‘Student Finance England’, administered by the ‘Student Loans Company’. You will repay it after you finish your studies, but only once your income exceeds a certain threshold. The money will be paid into your bank account at the start of each term. How much you receive depends on where you live during the semester, as well as your household income. Students living at home with their parents receive less; students living outside London receive the standard rate; and students in London receive more. You must reapply for each academic year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are enrolled on a first-cycle Bachelor’s degree programme, such as a BA, BSc, BEd, a Foundation Degree, an HNC or an integrated Master’s programme.
• First higher education course: This is usually your first higher education qualification. Previous degrees are generally not taken into account, although there are some exceptions.
• Where you study: Your degree programme is based at a recognised university or higher education institution in the United Kingdom. The subject you study is irrelevant.
• Nationality and residence: You are a British or Irish national or have ‘settled status’, you live in England and have lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the three years prior to the start of your degree programme.
• Study mode: Full-time students are eligible to take part. Part-time students may apply if the course is taught at a minimum intensity of 25%.
• Age: Open to all age groups, but if you are 60 or older, a lower maximum amount applies.

Students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland apply through their own, separate schemes.

How to apply

You apply for the grant online via GOV.UK. When doing so, please state your household income and the date you start your studies. It takes around four weeks to process your application. You can use the online student finance calculator to work out the estimated grant amount in advance.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a selection process. If you meet the eligibility criteria regarding residence, course of study and nationality, you will receive the grant; there is no selection panel that you need to convince. The exact amount depends on your household income; the lower your income, the higher the grant you will receive. Please apply for the grant well in advance of the start of your studies, as processing takes around four weeks.