Most adults who go to university in England pay for it with Student Finance, so there is nothing to pay upfront. Here is how it works, and how we can help you apply.
Current amounts change each year, so always check the latest figures on GOV.UK.
You only start repaying once you finish your course and earn over the repayment threshold. For students starting a course in England from August 2023, you repay 9% of what you earn over £25,000 a year, and anything left is written off after 40 years.
You will usually need to be a UK national, or have settled status or another eligible status, and have lived in the UK for the three years before your course starts. People with refugee status are usually eligible without the three-year rule.
If you already have an honours degree, you usually cannot get funding for a second degree at the same level, although there are some exceptions.
Your Maintenance Loan is based on household income. Student Finance treats you as an independent student if you are 25 or over when your course starts. Under 25, you may also count as independent if, for example, you are married or in a civil partnership, look after a child, have supported yourself for three years, or are estranged from your parents.
There is no upper age limit for a Tuition Fee Loan. If you are 60 or over when your course starts, the help you can get with living costs is more limited.
Full-time students usually cannot claim Universal Credit unless an exception applies, for example if you are responsible for a child. Speak to your work coach before you apply, and we can talk you through the options.
No. If you are eligible, your Tuition Fee Loan is paid straight to the university or college, so there is no fee to pay before you start.
Yes. We help learners through their Student Finance application as part of our free service, alongside their university application.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you would like to study. We will come back to you with your options. Prefer to talk? Call our office on 020 7968 4066 or message us on WhatsApp.