When do student finance applications open up?
When are the application deadlines?
If this is your first time applying for student finance, then you have to have it done by the May 2025.
If you’re a returning student, then you should apply by the June 2025. Make sure you apply, before the date, as if you don’t, your student loan payments will likely be late. You can still apply later if you’ve missed these deadlines, but these are the dates that will ensure your student finance comes in on time for when you start your course.What options are available to you?
The two main loans are the tuition loan and the maintenance loan. Let’s dive into these two a little more closely, so you know exactly what financial support you can get, and when.
Tuition loans
The tuition loan is the money the government pays your university. This will go straight from the government to the university so you don’t have to worry about it.What is a maintenance loan?
The maintenance loan made its debut in the 1990s, serving as an essential financial pillar for students during their university years. At one point, certain students qualified for maintenance grants, but unfortunately, these were discontinued in 2016 (apologies for the reminder). In January 2024, the Department of Education announced an increase in maintenance loans for students in England of 2.5% for the academic year 2024-2025. Therefore, students applying for this academic year can get up to £10,244 per year (outside of London) and £13,348 (London). Throughout the academic year, students get the maintenance loan in three portions, generally a few weeks into each term. This loan aids in covering daily expenses like food, personal care items, and household essentials, in addition to rent and utilities. The maintenance loan is the money which you get paid into your bank of choice. The amount you will get is calculated by using your household income. You can find out how much you are entitled to by using the student finance calculator. As the title implies, the crucial detail about the maintenance loan is its nature: it’s a loan, which means you’re obligated to repay it in the future. Sorry. However, repayment of your maintenance loan kicks in only when you attain a specific income level. For those under Student Loan Plan 2 (applicable to anyone who began their studies between 1st September 2012 and 31st July 2023), this threshold is set at £27,295 annually, £2,274 monthly, or £524 weekly in the UK. Additionally, you’re required to repay only 9% of your earnings above this salary threshold. We’ll delve deeper into this aspect shortly.The Disabled Students’ Allowance
However, there are more options available to you, if you meet the requirements. The Disabled Students’ Allowance provides support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. The Childcare Grant is a grant to help with the caring of children 15 or under. You must be in full-time higher education and have a child who is 15 or under (or 17 if they have special educational needs). The Parent’s Learning Allowance is a grant for parents in higher education, this will be calculated by your household income.How is student loan calculated?
The amount you get from the maintenance loan as a student will depend upon your individual situation, particularly your household circumstances. To work out the sum a student could be entitled to in maintenance loan payments, take a look at the following factors:- Household earnings
- The date your course starts
- Where you plan on living while studying
What about student finance for part time students?
For part-time students, the process for your student loan is a little different. But don’t worry, getting student finance as a part time student is easily achieved, too. You might qualify for a maintenance loan if your part-time study has a ‘course intensity’ of 25% or greater. This is assessed by comparing your module credits to those a full-time student would do. Regarding the tuition fee loan, you can receive up to £6,935 in an academic year. However, this amount is sent directly to your university, unfortunately.Student loan payment dates 2024
Your maintenance loan (aka, your student finance payment) will be dropped into your bank in three instalments, each roughly a third of your yearly allowance, with each portion arriving at the start of every term.
While the student loan timings tend to align for most unis, there might be minor variations in the exact payment dates. For the academic year 2024/2025, you can expect the first maintenance loan payment towards the end of September or early October, aligning with the term’s start. The second payment is planned for the beginning of January 2025, and the last payment at the onset of April 2025. If you’re wondering about why your maintenance loan isn’t dropped into your account as a single large amount, it’s for your benefit! By dividing your student loan into three parts, student finance aims to put off students from splashing the cash in the first term.What is the maximum maintenance loan?
- For English students, the threshold for maintenance loans for students is £10,277 per year outside of London and £13,348 for those in London.
- For Welsh students, the threshold is £12,150 (outside of London) and £15,170 (inside London).
- For Northern Ireland students, the maximum maintenance loan is £8136 (outside of London) and £10,852 (inside London)
- For Scottish students up to age of 25, the maximum maintenance loan is £11,400
When will I start repaying my student loan and how much are student loan repayments?
Your student loan repayments – combining both the tuition fee and maintenance loan – start once your earnings go past a specific salary threshold, determined by the student loan plan you’re enrolled in.Student loan plan 1
For those under Plan 1 (which applies if you started an undergraduate program in the UK before 1st September 2012), repayments for your student loan will start when your earnings exceed £423 weekly, £1,834 monthly, or £22,015 annually (prior to tax and other deductions) as of April 2023.Student loan plan 2
For those under Plan 2 (those who began their undergraduate studies in the UK from 1st September 2012 to 31st July 2023), repayment obligations kick in once your earnings go past £524 weekly, £2,274 monthly, or £27,295 annually (before any tax and other subtractions).Student loan plan 5
For students starting undergraduate or advanced courses after August 1, 2023, you’ll fall under Plan 5. If you’re on Plan 5, the earliest you’ll start repaying your student loan is April 2026, regardless of whether you complete your course. Repayments only kick in once your earnings exceed £480 a week, £2,083 a month, or £25,000 a year. For all loan plans, repayments don’t commence until you reach the income level designated for your plan. Keep in mind that the income thresholds can vary over time though. Regarding repayment amounts: those with Plan 1, Plan 2, or Plan 5 student loans will return 9% of their earnings that exceed the set income threshold. For instance, if you’re on Plan 2 with an annual salary of £30,000, you’d contribute approximately £20 monthly to your loan, which will be directly deducted from your paycheck. Here’s more insight on when to pay back student finance.Topic expertise: Finance, Net worth, Culture, Student life, Accommodation, Jobs & Careers
FAQs on Student Finance Payment Dates
Student finance is paid in three instalments each academic year. Payments usually arrive in late September or early October, early January, and early April. The exact dates appear in your Student Finance account once your application is approved and may vary slightly by university.
Check your Student Finance account to confirm your application status and ensure your bank details are correct. Your university must confirm your enrolment before payment is released. If your status shows no issues and funds have not arrived, contact Student Finance England for support.
Yes. You can apply up to nine months after your course start date, but your first payment may be delayed if you miss the initial deadline. Applying early ensures funding arrives on time for the start of term.
Your loan is based on household income, whether you live at home or away, and if you study in London or elsewhere. Use the student finance calculator to check how much support you might get.
Yes. Part-time students can qualify for tuition and sometimes maintenance loans if their course intensity is at least 25%. Tuition fees are paid directly to the university, while maintenance loans are paid to the student in instalments.
No. Payment dates can differ depending on your university’s term start dates and how quickly your enrolment is confirmed. Some students receive funds a few days before term, while others are paid shortly after enrolment is verified.
Yes. If you switch course or university, your payment may be delayed until your new enrolment is confirmed and your funding details are updated. Always notify Student Finance as soon as changes happen to avoid long waits.
Payments scheduled for a weekend or bank holiday usually arrive the working day before. However, it is worth checking your payment schedule in your Student Finance account to avoid unexpected delays.
If you leave your course part way through a term, you will usually keep the portion of your loan you have already received for that period. Future payments stop, and you may need to repay any overpaid funds.
You may be able to apply for extra support such as university hardship funds, scholarships, or bursaries. Some students also work part time to top up their income. Speak with your university’s student support team for advice.
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Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
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