UK Government - The maintenance loan

What the Maintenance Loan gives you

You will receive a government loan to cover your living costs whilst you are studying, such as rent, food and travel costs. If you live outside London, you can receive up to about EUR 12,480 (GBP 10,830) per year (the rate set by Student Finance England for 2026/27). The amount you receive depends on where you live:

• Up to 9,118 GBP if you live with your parents
• Up to 14,135 GBP if you don’t live with your parents in London
• Up to 12,403 GBP during an academic year abroad
• Up to 4,582 GBP if you are 60 or older

The money will be paid into your bank account in three instalments, at the start of each semester. This is a loan, not a grant. You will repay it as soon as your income exceeds a certain level after you have completed your studies.

The amount of the benefit is means-tested, i.e. it depends on your household’s income (your parents’ or partner’s income). You will receive the full amount if this income is 25,000 GBP or less, and a lower amount as the income increases. If you are 25 years of age or older, are married, or have been discharged from care, only your own income or that of your partner counts; your parents’ income does not. From 2026/27, people discharged from care will receive the full amount without a means test.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying on a full-time undergraduate degree programme at a UK higher education institution. You cannot use this loan to study abroad, unless it is a year abroad that forms part of your UK degree programme.
• Residence: You are normally resident in the United Kingdom and should submit your application via the student finance body responsible for your part of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland).
• Study mode: You must attend classes in person. You may only apply as a distance learner if you are unable to attend classes in person due to a disability.
• Field of study: All participants are eligible to take part.
• Household income: Low-income earners will receive the full amount; higher-income earners will continue to receive a reduced loan.

How to apply

You can apply for the grant online at gov.uk or via Student Finance Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, depending on where you live. The deadline is 31 May, and it takes around four weeks to process your application. You must reapply each academic year, and your parents or partner must confirm your household income.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based grant, but a general entitlement. Every full-time student on an undergraduate course at a UK university who meets the residency requirements will receive a loan. The only variable is the amount of the loan, which is determined following a means test. Apply for the loan by 31 May to ensure the funds are available at the start of your studies.