Student Finance FAQs

In the UK, student loans are split into tuition and maintenance loans, provided by Student Finance England or its regional equivalents. Tuition fees are paid directly to your university, while maintenance loans support living costs. Repayments only start after graduation when you earn above the income threshold.

You’ll begin repaying your student loan in the April after you graduate, provided your income is above the repayment threshold. The threshold and percentage vary based on your repayment plan. You can check your plan and thresholds on the official gov.uk page.

Repayments depend on your income, not the loan amount. For example, under Plan 2, you repay 9% of income over £27,295. Visit the repayment calculator for tailored guidance.

Student loans don’t appear on your credit file or directly impact your credit score. However, high repayments can affect mortgage affordability. Learn more in our loan and credit comparison guide.

Yes, you can make voluntary repayments at any time. But consider whether it’s worth it, many loans are wiped after 30 years. Use the MSE overpayment checker to decide.

A typical student budget covers rent, food, travel, social life, and course materials. Many students spend between £800 and £1,200 per month depending on location. Our student life guides break this down by city and uni experience.

Budgeting apps like Monzo, Emma or Yolt can help you categorise and control spending. You can also use our student budgeting tools and advice to get started.

Use your student discount (TOTUM, UNiDAYS), cook at home, avoid peak travel times, and grab second-hand books. Check out our student deals section for current savings.

Yes. Student accounts often come with interest-free overdrafts and budgeting tools. Compare options before choosing. Our bank account guide breaks down the best options.

Bursaries can come from universities, charities or the government and may be based on income, background or academic merit. Check with your university's student finance office or visit their funding and bursary page for local opportunities.

Yes, UK undergraduates can apply for scholarships based on academic performance, extracurriculars or financial need. Platforms like The Scholarship Hub list many options across UK institutions.

Most universities have a hardship fund for students facing unexpected financial difficulties. Contact your uni’s welfare team or visit their website for eligibility and application info. We also explore this in our hardship support guide.

Tuition fees in England are capped at £9,250 per year for home students. International students typically pay higher fees. Our student finance section compares university costs across the country.

Yes, some courses require you to pay extra for textbooks, fieldwork, or equipment. Always ask your department for a breakdown of 'hidden costs' before enrolling.

A student bank account can offer interest-free overdrafts, perks and easier access to budgeting. Banks like Santander and HSBC offer dedicated student packages — compare your options before choosing.

It’s possible, but usually discouraged unless you’re confident in managing repayments. Consider a credit-builder card with low limits and check our student credit guide for dos and don’ts.