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One reason why many potential students fail to go to university is that they believe they can’t afford it. However, you do not have to pay for your education out of your own pocket.
The UK government provides funding in the form of two student loans. One to cover the cost of your tuition fees, and the other to pay for your maintenance expenses, while you are studying. You will only have to pay these two loans back once you finish your course and you can afford to make the repayments.
This page explains more about tuition and maintenance loans, including the amount you can receive, the eligibility criteria and the process for applying.
We understand that applying for finance may be worrying or confusing, so we provide advice to help you make a successful application. If you have any questions that are not answered on this page, please get in touch. We are very happy to advise you.
Tuition fees are charged by universities, and colleges to cover key elements of your course and academic life, as well as core services related to students’ wellbeing and experience on campus. Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider. Importantly, you won’t have to pay it back until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level.
| Living at home | Living on campus | |
|---|---|---|
|
Books and supplies |
£50 |
£50 |
|
Living expenses |
£700 |
£900 |
|
Personal expenses |
£500 |
£750 |
|
Transportation costs |
£150 |
£150 |
|
Home Students Full- Time Tuition |
£9,250 |
£9,250 |
|
Home Students Part-Time Tuition |
£6,935 |
£6,935 |
Student loans can include a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan to help with your living costs.
Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider, and you won’t have to pay it back until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level.
Maintenance loans are available to help with some of your living costs at university, e.g. accommodation, transport, food, and books. It’s unlikely this will cover all of your living costs, in which case, it’s up to you make up the shortfall.
Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, this means you will be able to receive money at the start of each term. Whatever maintenance support you receive will be paid to you in instalments, at the beginning of every term. Depending on where you live, and who you live with, undergraduates can get up to £13,022 every year for their studies.
How much you get is determined on a sliding scale, based on:
1) Where you’re studying – students studying away from home in London receive more to account for the higher cost of living here, and compared to those living at home.
2) Your household income – students from lower income backgrounds are eligible for more – this is called ‘means-tested’ finance, and requires your parents/guardians to provide evidence of their income.
In some countries, maintenance loans are combined with non-repayable grants, with your household income deciding the ratio of loan-to-grant you get, i.e. students from lower income households receive higher grants and thus less in maintenance loans which they have to pay back.
Student finance usually consists of a Tuition Fee Loan, and a Maintenance Loan to cover – or at least partially help with – your university costs.
All full-time undergraduate students are eligible for student finance, provided they meet some basic criteria.
When we handle your university application and you will also get free advice on applying for your student loan as well. We will be more than happy to answer any questions about the process, and confirm your eligibility,
You must apply to the student finance body in your country, as well as notify them of any changes to your circumstances, e.g. you leave, or change your course. It can take up to six weeks to process student finance applications. Make sure you apply early – even if you have a conditional offer – as you can amend or cancel your application if your plans change.
You’re a UK national or have pre-settled or settled status. You must have been living in the UK for the past 3 years and be a resident on the first day of the first academic year of the course.
You’re studying a recognised full-time or part-time course e.g. a first degree, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or an initial Teacher Training course.
You can get full funding for your first degree. But if you’ve studied an HE course before, you can get a contribution to the full cost, and you’ll have to make up any shortfall.
You’re studying at a recognised publicly-funded university or college. The course must lead to: a degree. Foundation, or a BSc or BA, with or without Honours) a Diploma of Higher Education.
Most academic institutions require evidence of English language ability. However, the standard of English required, and the type of evidence accepted will vary depending on the institution. Please get in touch to find out whether you meet the required standard, and have the right evidence for your preferred course.