Apply online through your regional body (Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, SAAS in Scotland, or Student Finance NI). For England, complete your application by 31 May 2025 to be assessed in time for the September term.

1. Create/Sign in to your student finance account and select your course/university (you can update this later if it changes).
2. Provide household income details (if applying for a means-tested maintenance loan). Your parent(s)/partner may need to submit evidence.
3. Upload documents if requested (ID, residency, previous study). Keep copies of everything.
4. Submit bank details so maintenance payments can be made to you directly at the start of each term.
5. Track your application and return any forms promptly (e.g., signature/evidence forms).

Tip: You don’t need a confirmed offer to apply—use your best guess and update later to avoid delays.

Tuition Fee Loan: Paid directly to your university to cover tuition fees (up to £9,250/year for most UK undergraduates). You don’t see this money; it never goes into your bank account.

Maintenance Loan: Paid to you to help with living costs such as rent, food, travel and study materials. The amount depends on household income, whether you live at home or away, and if you study in London.

• Outside London: up to around £10,227/year (illustrative).
• In London: a higher maximum to reflect increased living costs.
• Living at home: usually a lower maximum.

You can take one or both loans depending on your needs and eligibility.

Generally, no—most international students are not eligible for UK tuition or maintenance loans. Exceptions may apply for those with specific residency statuses (e.g., settled/pre-settled under certain criteria). Instead, look at:

• University scholarships and bursaries (merit- or need-based).
• Country-specific funding from home governments or agencies.
• External scholarships and charitable trusts.
• Part-time work (check visa conditions).

Always verify eligibility directly with your university and check scholarship deadlines early.

Repayments start after you leave your course and only when your income is above your plan’s threshold. A common example for recent starters in England is 9% of income above £25,000/year. If you earn less than the threshold, you pay nothing.

• Collected automatically via PAYE for employees; self-assessment for the self-employed.
• Interest is applied according to your loan plan and government policy.
• Write-off period applies after a set number of years if the balance remains (e.g., 30 years for some plans).

Your exact rules depend on when/where you studied and your loan plan—check your account for specifics.

Yes. If you’re over 21 (or returning to study), you can usually access the same tuition and maintenance loans provided you meet eligibility criteria. Consider additional support such as:

• Parent’s Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant (if applicable).
• Adult Dependants’ Grant.
• Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) for study-related support.
• University bursaries and hardship funds.

Apply early (by 31 May 2025 for England) and speak to your university’s money advice team for tailored guidance.

Combine university awards with external funding to maximise support:

• Search your university’s scholarship database (departmental and central awards).
• Use national scholarship portals and professional bodies related to your subject.
• Look for widening participation, excellence, sports, music and community awards.
• Prepare a concise personal statement/CV and gather references in advance.

Deadlines can be early—start searching when you apply for your course, not after you arrive.

You can still apply, but your first payment may be delayed. Submit the application immediately and upload any evidence quickly. If term has started, speak to:

• Your university’s money advice/hardship fund team for short-term support.
• Your accommodation provider about temporary payment plans.
• Your bank about a student account/overdraft (use responsibly).

Once processed, payments can be released and, in some cases, backdated to cover the period since term began.

Build a realistic weekly or monthly budget. Typical student costs (outside London) might include:

• Accommodation: ~£120–£200/week (more in London or for studios).
• Food & household: £30–£50/week if cooking at home.
• Transport: £10–£30/week (student passes can cut costs).
• Bills: £15–£30/week if not included (energy, water, broadband).
• Study & phone: £5–£15/week (books, printing, SIM).
• Social & gym: variable—set a cap you can stick to.

Use a budgeting app, split bills fairly in shared houses, and take advantage of student discounts. Revisit your budget each term as prices or habits change.