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UK Student Enrollment FAQs: Requirements, Process & Tips

Get answers to common questions about enrolling as a student in the UK.
Learn about eligibility, application processes, documents, and key deadlines.

How much is the cost of my studies?

Your university or college sets your tuition fee, and the loan is paid directly to them. If you’re a full-time student and started your course after 1 August 2025, you can get up to £9,535.

How can I afford to go to university?

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan if your course starts on or after 1 August 2016.

What is an undergraduate loan & how do I receive the money?

An undergraduate loan is a sum of money that students can access in order to cover their tuition fees and life expenses. The money is paid directly to your institution in 3 instalments per year. The government will provide the money upfront for any eligible student who secures a place in higher education. The funding for life expenses is called a maintenance loan and we will cover that in the following sections.

Can I receive other support?

You can also get other financial support such as a loan for living costs which can help cover your daily expenses (such as accommodation, food, travel and course materials).

The maximum Maintenance Loan available in 2025–2026 is:

  • £8,877 if living with parents
  • £10,544 if living outside London
  • £13,762 if living in London

You may also qualify for an income-assessed non-repayable grant to help with these costs.

Can I pay by myself my tuition fees in full or partially?

Yes, but you’ll need to make your own arrangements with the university or college to pay any tuition fees.

Who is an EEA Migrant Worker?

Simply put, a Migrant Worker is a national member of a EU/EEA state who has moved to another UK for work.

Which countries are in the EEA?

UK is not in the EEA(1 January 1994 to 31 December 2020).
The United Kingdom (UK) was a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2020, following the coming into force of the 1992 EEA Agreement).
Swiss Nationals and their children have similar rights to EEA nationals.

When will evidence be needed?

Evidence is required at the start of the academic year and the month prior to the start of each term. For example, September course starters would be required to provide evidence of worker status at the beginning of the academic year, and afterwards, in December and March.

What evidence can be provided?

Students or their family members who are self-employed can provide a body of evidence that demonstrates their business activities for the required month. This can include business bank statements, invoices, receipts and expenses. 



Students or their family members who are paid monthly should provide a letter from their employer at the start of the academic year. We cannot accept the previous month’s payslip because we need to be sure that the individual is still working at the start of the academic year. For terms two and three, we will accept the previous month’s payslip for customers who are paid monthly. 



The employer’s letter, for the start of the academic year, needs to be dated for that month and should confirm that the individual is in continuous employment, as well as his or her working pattern. If the letter indicates that the individual has reduced their working hours since the first review of their application, we may ask for payslips to determine continued eligibility.

Do I need to be ‘ordinarily resident’ in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course?

Yes, in order to qualify as an EEA Migrant Worker you must be living in England on the 1st of September of the first academic year in the course. Additionally, you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK or the EEA and/or Switzerland for three years before the first day of the first academic year of the course. Temporary absences outside of the UK/EEA may be ignored, and you can be ordinarily resident in more than one place at the same time, but Student Finance England will require evidence of this.



So if you first started living in England after 1 September of the year you started your course, you will not be able to qualify as a Migrant Worker for your current course even if you start working.

What kind of work must I be doing?

You must be working in the UK, either full time or part time. You can work for an employer or be self-employed. However, Student Finance England has a benchmark of a minimum annual income of £10,800 and a minimum threshold of 24 working hours a week to qualify as a Migrant Worker. These figures are not in the Student Support Regulations, so if you earn less than this amount or work fewer hours your application might still be considered. This will depend on your particular circumstances. Short-term, vacation or part time student jobs are highly unlikely to meet the criteria.

Which payments will be blocked and when?

All student finance payments, including Grants for Dependants and Disabled Students Allowances payments will be blocked following the first assessment approval and payment.

Once evidence has been accepted for the next term. the block will be lifted and the payments scheduled. Payments for the following terms will then be blocked until evidence has been accepted for the following terms. (Grants for Dependants and Disabled Students Allowances payments will not need to go through a reassessment process).

What happens if a migrant worker student or family member ceases employment?

In most cases, entitlement will cease from the date the employment ends, with the exception of redundancy, illness or maternity leave, where the status will be retained for the entire academic year as appropriate subject to evidence. We might individually communicate with students, asking for further evidence.

What happens if the migrant worker changes employment or reduces their hours/income?

Evidence of new employment will need to be provided (contract & payslips), along with evidence of when the previous employment ended (P45) for the student or their family member. If the level of income or working hours have been reduced, this will be reviewed to determine if it affects eligibility for student finance.

Are there any deadlines?

Students will not have their next instalment of funding released for maintenance or tuition fees to the Higher Education Provider until the required evidence has been accepted. If no response is received, SLC will review these students separately.

What is a tuition fee loan and what is the maximum student loan amount?

It is a loan from the government that covers the cost of your higher education tuition. It’s available for eligible students studying for their first degree. This means that you don’t have to find the money to pay for your tuition costs before or while you are studying. Moreover, if you started your course after 1 August 2025, you don’t have to start repaying the loan until you are earning over £25,000 a year.

Who can get a tuition fee loan?

Eligible full-time (including full-time distance learning) students in England who are starting their first undergraduate degree, or other higher education course, from September 2016 onwards will be able to get a tuition fee loan under the new arrangements detailed here.

What do you mean by ‘eligible’?

Whether you are eligible or not will depend on factors including where you live, the course you choose to study, where you study and whether or not you already hold a higher education degree.

Can I apply if I already hold a higher education qualification?

Prospective students who have previously studied a higher education course, in the UK or overseas, may find this affects their entitlement to receive financial support for their new course. Students with previous studies are strongly advised to contact Student Finance or their regional funding body for guidance before enrolling in a new course.

What is the maximum undergraduate student loan amount?

Eligible full-time (including full-time distance learning) and part-time students will be able to get a loan that covers the full amount of their tuition costs. For more details related to the actual amount, please contact us to check your eligibility.

How do I apply for the loan?

For more information, you can contact Student Finance England or ask the agency for more details.

When do I need to apply?

Don’t wait until you’ve been formally offered a place – you can already apply for your student financing with our help.

How does the money for my course get paid to the university/college?

The loan will be paid directly to your university/college. It is not paid to you.

When will the money be paid?

You will need to take in a form when you register at your university/college. This will then trigger the payment to be made to them directly.

Can I apply for a loan for tuition fees every year while I’m studying?

Yes, you can normally apply for a loan for tuition fees every year of your course. There are some exceptions, for example longer courses such as medical degrees where different packages of support are available in later years. Check with the agency if you are unsure what financial support is available for you.

When do I start repaying the loan for tuition costs?

If you have been studying full-time and if you started your course after 1 August 2025, you will begin repaying the loan starting from April of the year after you graduate, but only if you are earning over £25,000 per year. The repayments will normally be deducted straight from your salary. See the section on repayments for further details. Repayment arrangements for part-time students are different – see section 12.

How do I make repayments?

If you are employed, your repayments will be taken out of your salary every month. Remember, if you started your course after 1 August 2025 and if you aren’t earning over £25,000 a year, you don’t have to make any repayments. If you are self-employed, separate arrangements are in place with HMRC to make your repayments.

Do I pay back my tuition loan separately from my loan for living costs?

No, the two loans are added together so you only have to make one repayment.

Do I pay undergraduate and postgraduate loans together?

No. Firstly, you have to pay the undergraduate loan (up to level 6, BA/BSc) and then if you want to pursue further postgraduate studies, that loan will be paid separately.

Can I get student loans for a second bachelor’s degree?

There is no clear yes-or-no answer to this question, as it all depends on your personal circumstances, type and duration of course and specific eligibility conditions. If you haven’t finished a BA/BSc course, you are probably eligible. However, we can check that for you, for free, so contact us!

What is a loan for living costs?

It is a loan that is meant to help with expenses associated with going to university, things like accommodation, food, travel and course materials.

How much funding can I get through this loan?

The amount you can get is based on where you live and study and on your household income. The maximum amount you can get per year is established based on the following categories:

 

    • Living away from home and studying in London;
    • Living away from home and studying outside London;
    • Living at home;
    • Studying abroad as part of your UK course;

 

The maximum amount you can get depends on where you live.

 

2025 to 2026 academic year

Living with your parents – Up to £8,877

Living away from your parents, outside London – Up to £10,544

Living away from your parents, in London – Up to £13,762

I’m a full-time student studying by distance learning. Can I get a living cost loan?

No. New students beginning full-time distance learning courses can get a loan to cover the full amount of their tuition costs, but cannot apply for living cost loans.

How will I receive my living cost loan?

The money will be paid directly into your bank or building society account in three instalments – usually one at the start of each term.

When you become liable — How much you’re liable for

  • At the start of term 1 — 25% of the tuition fee
  • At the start of term 2 — 50% of the tuition fee
  • At the start of term 3 — 100% of the tuition fee

I don’t have a bank/building society account, so what do I need to do?

You’ll need to set up an account with a bank or building society, as this is the only way the money can be paid to you.

Can I apply for a living cost loan every year while I’m studying?

Yes, normally you can apply for a living cost loan every year of your course. There are some exceptions, for example for longer courses such as medical degrees where different packages of support are available in later years. Check with your university or college if you are unsure what support is available for you.

When do I start repaying the living cost loan?

If you started your course after 1 August 2025, you will not have to pay back anything until you are earning over £25,000 a year.

See our section on repayments for more information.

How do I make repayments?

If you are employed, your repayments will be taken out of your salary every month. Remember, if you started your course after 1 August 2025 and if you do not earn over £25,000 a year, you don’t have to make any repayments. If you are self-employed, separate arrangements are in place with HMRC to make your repayments.

What happens if I don’t finish my course?

Even if you don’t finish your course, you have to pay back the money you have borrowed, but not until you earn over £25,000 a year (if you started your course after 1 August 2025).

Do I pay back my living cost loan separately from my tuition loan?

No, the two loans are added together, so you only make one repayment.

What non-repayable financial help is available?

Additional financial help is available only for students with disabilities and students with children or adult dependents. 

 

If you are a full-time student with specific needs (for example, if you have a disability, a specific learning difficulty or have children), you may be entitled to additional financial support. Part-time students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties may also be entitled to additional support.

Do I have to pay back the non-repayable financial help?

No, you don’t have to pay this money back.

Can I apply for non-repayable financial help every year while I’m studying?

Yes, normally you can apply for support for every year of your course. There are some exceptions, for example for longer courses such as medical degrees where different packages of support are available in later years. Check with your university or college if you are unsure what support is available to you.

What do you mean by ‘eligible full-time student’?

Whether you are eligible will depend on factors such as where you live, the course you choose to study, where you study, and whether or not you already hold a higher education degree.

I’m a full-time student studying by distance learning. Can I get other support?

No, new students beginning full-time distance learning courses will be able to get a loan to cover the full amount of their tuition costs, but cannot apply for a living cost loan.

I haven’t got a bank/building society account, so what do I need to do?

You’ll need to set up an account with a bank or building society, as this is the only way the money can be paid to you.

When do I start repaying my loan?

If you’re starting your course on or after 1 August 2025you only start repaying your loan starting with the month of April after you graduate and only if you earn over £25,000 a year.

If you’re a full-time student, you’ll be due to start repaying your loan the April after you finish or leave your course. If you’re a part-time student, you’ll be due to start repaying in the month of April four years after the start of your course or the April after you finish or leave your course, whichever comes first.

For those who finish their course earlier, the Student Loans Company will apply interest at RPI only (rather than Retail Price Index (RPI) starting with the month of April after you finish your course. The interest applied to your loan balance will depend on your income.

How do I make repayments?

If you are employed, your employer will calculate your repayment and deduct it from your salary every month through the tax system. If you are self-employed, separate arrangements are in place with HMRC to make your repayments.

How much will my repayments be?

If you started your course after 1 August 2025, you repay 9% of your income above £25,000. So, for example, if your salary was £30,000, the 9% would only apply to £3,000, meaning you would repay £37.5 per month.  The following scheme shows some salaries and typical repayments.

Income per year before tax – Monthly income before tax – Approximate monthly repayment

  • £25,000 – £2,083 – £0
  • £28,000 – £2,333 – £5
  • £29,500 – £2,458 – £16
  • £31,000 – £2,583 – £27
  • £33,000 – £2,750 – £42

How long will it take me to repay my loan?

Since the repayments you make will be based on your income, it depends on the size of your loan and how much you earn after you finish your studies. After 40 years, any unpaid balance will be written off.

What rate of interest will I be charged on my loan?

Interest on your loan will be applied at inflation (RPI – Retail Price Index). Starting from the month of April after you leave university, if you started your course after 1 August 2025 and if you are earning below £25,000, interest will be applied at the rate of inflation.

What happens if I lose my job or take a career break?

If you started your course after 1 August 2025 and if your salary falls below £25,000 a year, your repayments stop. So if you take a career break or if you are unemployed, your repayments will be suspended until you are earning over £25,000 again.

What if I decide to take a pay cut and my salary falls below the £25,000 threshold?

If you started your course after 1 August 2025 and and if your salary falls below £25,000 a year, your repayments will be suspended until you are earning over £25,000 again.

Do I have any control over how much I pay back every month?

You don’t have control over how much you repay each month, as when you are employed and earning over the threshold a year, repayments will come directly out of your salary.

If you are self-employed, separate arrangements are in place with HMRC to make your repayments.

Can I make additional repayments?

Yes. You can make additional repayments by credit or debit card at any time, directly to us, by using the Make a Payment service. For more information about other available methods of repayment, visit the payment options section of the student loan repayment website.

How do I repay if I live overseas?

If you are employed overseas or are out of the UK tax system, you will make student loan repayments directly to us. For more information, see the section on income based loan repayment from overseas.

What should I do if I think I have nearly paid off my loan?

You can login to your student loan repayment account using the login link on this page, and use the Balance Calculator to work out how much you have left to pay.

If you are within a few months of paying your loan off in full, or if you have already paid it off, you should contact student finance with details of all the repayments you have made since the date of your last statement.

Applying for your student finance depends on where you are normally resident when you first apply:

England or an EU country – Finanțarea Studențească Anglia  

Northern Ireland – Student Finance Northern Ireland 

Scotland – Student Awards Agency for Scotland  

Wales – Student Finance Wales 

I currently live in England but want to go to university in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales – can I apply for financial support?

Yes, you can apply for a loan to cover the full amount of your course costs, a living cost loan and other non-repayable living cost grants depending on your circumstances.

I have a disability – can I get any extra financial support?

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are available to help you if you are doing a higher education course and will incur extra costs because of a disability (including a long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia).

 

DSAs are paid in addition to the standard student finance package and are available if you are studying on a full-time, full-time distance learning or part-time course. They do not depend on income and do not have to be repaid.

I’ve got children – will I get extra financial support?

A Childcare Grant is available for full-time higher education students who have dependent children in registered or approved childcare. The grant pays 85% of actual childcare costs in term times and holidays up to a maximum amount per week.



If you are a parent studying a full-time course you may also be entitled to the Parents’ Learning Allowance to help with course-related costs. The Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance are both income-assessed and don’t have to be repaid.

I’ve got an adult dependent – will I get extra financial support?

If you are studying a full-time course and have a husband, wife or partner or another adult who depends on you financially you may be entitled to an Adult Dependants’ Grant. The grant is income-assessed and doesn’t have to be repaid.

Is there help available if I get into financial difficulties?

The Access to Learning Fund is a discretionary fund administered by universities and colleges which can provide help for students in financial difficulties who may need extra financial support to stay in higher education.

Why get saddled with debt since there are no graduated jobs to go to?

The current job market is a tough one. But having a degree does improve your chance of getting a job and research shows that over the long term graduates earn on average substantially more than non-graduates.

Will loan repayments affect my ability to get a mortgage?

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has advised that a student loan is very unlikely to impact materially on an individual’s ability to get a mortgage. The amount of mortgage available may depend on net income.

Will loan repayments affect my ability to take out a loan?

This will be a decision of the loan provider, but student loan information won’t be shared with credit reference agencies by Student Finance England.

We’re paying more, but we’re getting nothing in return. Why?

The reforms to higher education will make the experience of going to university better as it places more power in your hands. The changes also aim to widen participation and make repayments more manageable by raising the earnings threshold as borrowers begin to repay their loans. In the future, student choices will shape higher education. So, it will be in every university’s interest to persuade potential students that its teaching arrangements, facilities and undergraduate support are worth the investment.

 

Universities will have to provide students with more information about things like contact time and the jobs that their graduates head towards.

Students will ultimately decide which courses are offered because universities will need to respond to demand – where there are courses that attract students, they will not cease to exist. There is already a very diverse choice of courses and there is no reason why these will not continue. Some courses are of strategic importance to the country and the government will put in place measures to protect those.

What will happen if my income drops?

Maintenance Loans are based on your household income. For example, if your income in tax year 2022-23 is likely to be at least 15% lower than current tax year, we can assess your household income based on what you estimate your income will be. 

Where can I go to find out how much courses will cost?

You should contact the institution where you want to apply for further information.

If I move abroad, what will happen with my loan?

You’ll pay 9% of any income over the repayment threshold for the country you’re living in. Because of differences in living costs, the repayment threshold in another country is different from the UK threshold.

Is a postgraduate loan different from an undergraduate loan?

Yes, they refer to different levels of studies, so they are different. We have an FAQ section dedicated entirely to postgraduate loans, feel free to check it out!

What is a postgraduate loan?

Postgraduate loans are funds that can help you cover your course fees and living costs if you choose to pursue a master’s degree in the UK.

Does student finance cover master’s courses?

Yes, you can access government funding in the form of student finance to cover tuition fees for your master’s courses in the UK.

Will the loans cover the full cost of studying a Masters degree?

The government is offering loans as ‘a contribution to the cost of an eligible postgraduate Masters qualification’. You can use a loan for tuition fees, living costs and other study expenses as you see fit. In practice, if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025, the £12,858 (maximum amount) should be sufficient to cover tuition fees for most eligible taught Masters programmes (calculated at an average of just over £8,000 by research carried out in support of the consultation). However, it will not necessarily cover all of your accommodation and living costs. Some Masters courses may also cost more than £12,858. This is particularly likely for MBA programmes.

Do I have to borrow the full £12,858?

No, £12,858 is the maximum amount you can borrow if your course starts on or after 1 August 2023. If you wish to borrow a smaller amount to cover fees (or living costs), you will be able to do so.

There is no minimum loan amount.

Can I change the amount I wish to borrow?

Yes, you can change the amount you wish to borrow from the first day of your academic year. You have up to 9 months to change the amount you have decided to borrow. This must be done via a loan request form, it cannot be changed online.

Are the loans means-tested?

No, the postgraduate Masters loans are not means-tested. You can apply regardless of your existing income or savings.

Will my credit rating or credit history be taken into account?

No, the decision to lend to you won’t be based on your personal credit rating or credit history.

The only exception applies if you are already in arrears with the Student Loans Company. This may apply if you have missed payments or travelled outside the country without informing the SLC. If so, you should contact them and discuss your account.

Can I combine a Masters loan with other funding or finance?

In some cases, yes. Receiving other postgraduate funding or finance from your university or a third party (such as a charity) won’t normally affect your eligibility. However, if other public funding is available for the whole of your course, you may not be able to apply for a postgraduate loan. This is one of the reasons why integrated and undergraduate Masters are not eligible.

Note that this information only concerns your eligibility for a postgraduate Masters loan. It is possible (though unlikely) that taking out a loan may affect your eligibility for other grants or finance.

Can I still receive Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

Yes. Your entitlement to Disabled Students’ Allowance is distinct from any other financial support you receive.

Can I receive a postgraduate loan if I am eligible for an NHS bursary?

Possibly not. Some NHS bursaries – for subjects such as nursing and midwifery – supersede postgraduate loans. Check with your provider for more information.

Am I eligible for a postgraduate loan?

Probably yes, most students in the UK fulfilling certain conditions are eligible. If you are not sure, contact us and we can check your eligibility for free.

Can I apply if I already have an undergraduate loan?

Yes. The new system is designed to be an affordable option for graduates who want to continue on to further studies. Repayments will not occur until you are earning enough to afford them.

How will I be paid?

Your loan will be distributed in three instalments per academic year: Students on one year, full-time, Masters programmes will receive £12,858 (if their course starts on or after 1 August 2025) in three instalments. These will be split into 33%, 33% and 34% of your total loan amount.

Loan payments will be made directly into your bank account. You will then be responsible for using the money to meet tuition fees and other expenses as you see fit.

You will receive the first instalment of your loan payment when your university confirms your attendance on the course.

Note that if you do not currently have a UK bank account, you will need to open one in order to receive postgraduate payments. This applies to all students, including those from outside the UK. You can apply for a loan without having a UK bank account, but you will need to subsequently open one.

What will happen if I don’t complete my Masters?

Payments will be subject to confirmation of attendance provided by your institution. They will cease if you exit your programme early or transfer to an ineligible course.

If you exit your programme early, you will still be liable for your loan and must repay any amount you have borrowed as normal.

Can I receive an additional loan amount to repeat a year of my course?

In most cases, no. You may be able to increase your loan amount, but you would not be able to borrow more than the maximum of £12,858 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025. Your course will also need to last less than two years full-time or four-years part time.

Exceptions may be made if you can demonstrate compelling personal reasons. Decisions will be made by Student Loan Company assessors on a case-by-case basis.

Can I transfer between Masters courses and take my loan with me?

Yes, you can maintain your loan when transferring Masters, provided both courses are eligible and you are not repeating the same component of a course. It will not normally be possible to exit one course and apply for a fresh loan to complete another.

When do postgraduate loan applications open?

Applying for financing as soon as possible may be a smart move if you are considering postgraduate studies. You do not need to have applied for the course fully in order to obtain the loan. However, you must be enrolled in a course in order to receive any payments.

Can you get student finance for a master’s degree?

Yes, you may be eligible to access student funding when pursuing higher education in the form of master’s courses. These are called postgraduate loans.

When is the cut-off point for the age restriction?

In order to be eligible for a postgraduate loan, you will need to be under 60 at the beginning of the academic year in which you begin your Masters course.

I already have a Masters degree, will I be able to apply for a loan to study a different subject?

Unfortunately, not. The new loans aim to broaden access to postgraduate education for new students. However, possession of a Masters degree will not prevent you from receiving a separate PhD loan.

What if I already hold a non-Masters postgraduate qualification, such as a PGDip, PGCert or PGCE?

The restriction on applying for a loan with existing postgraduate qualifications only applies to full Masters degrees. You should still be able to apply for a loan to study a new Masters if you already hold a postgraduate qualification below Masters Level – such as a postgraduate certificate or diploma. Remember though, you won’t be able to receive a loan to study one of these courses.

Can I receive a loan to ‘upgrade’ my PGCert or PGDip to a Masters?

No, you can’t receive a loan for a part of a Masters degree, only for a full course. You can still apply for a loan to study a new Masters after completing a PGCert or PGDip, but this will need to be a full degree.

What if I already hold a higher level postgraduate qualification, such as a PhD?

The same restriction applies to PhD holders as to those with existing Masters degrees. You will not be able to apply for a Masters loan if you already hold a qualification at Masters Level or above.

I’m already studying for a Masters – can I apply for a loan in the second year of my course?

Unfortunately not. The new loans are designed to make postgraduate study more accessible and won’t be available to existing Masters students.

Are students from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland eligible?

These postgraduate loans are intended for English students. However, eligibility is based on English-residency, not English-nationality. If you are Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish, but normally live in England, you will be able to receive a loan.

In order to be eligible, you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years on the first day of the academic year in which your course begins. In addition, you must have most recently been resident in England.

Are students from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man eligible?

Yes, postgraduate loans are available to citizens of the UK and its islands, subject to normal residency criteria.

How do loans work for EU students?

You will need to have been resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland for at least three years prior to the beginning of your course. Periods of residency that are purely for the purpose of education will not count towards this three year requirement.

Note that EU students will normally only  be able to receive loans to study a Masters at a university in England. This includes on-campus and distance learning options.

Exceptions may apply if you have been ordinarily resident in England for three years prior to the beginning of your course. If so, you will count as an English-domiciled student and can take out a loan to study anywhere in the UK.

Are EEA and Swiss students eligible?

Yes. Citizens of non-EU EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland may be eligible. You must be working in the UK, have worked in the UK or have sought work in the UK. In addition, you must be ordinarily resident in England at the start of your course (in the same way as a UK student).

Does the EU referendum result and ‘Brexit’ affect EU eligibility?

You can apply for the Postgraduate Master’s Loan if all of the following are true:

    • you’re a UK national or Irish citizen or have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain so there are no restrictions on how long you can stay you normally
    • live in England 
    • you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years in a row before the first day of the first academic year of your course (apart from temporary absences such as holidays)
  •  

Are other international students eligible?

Under normal circumstances, Masters loans will not be available to other international students in the UK. In order to be eligible, you will need to be a UK national or EU citizen, as above.

Exceptions may apply if you have the right to reside permanently in the UK. This could result in refugee status or other humanitarian protection. Family members of EU citizens may also be eligible for loans.

Your university’s international office may be able to provide help if you are unsure what conditions apply in your case.

What are the residency criteria?

The postgraduate loans introduced in 2016 are only for English students. To be eligible as a UK student you must be ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before you begin your Masters. In addition, you must be most recently resident in England.

EU students must have been ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland for three years prior to their course. EEA and Swiss students must be resident in England and have been living in the UK for three years.

What if I’ve studied an undergraduate degree elsewhere in the UK?

Students who have studied (or are studying) in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will be eligible for a Masters loan, provided they are normally resident in England. Time spent studying elsewhere will be regarded as a temporary absence and will not affect your English-domiciled status.

For example: You normally live in Swindon, but have spent three years studying a Bachelor’s degree in Cardiff, you will be eligible to receive a Masters loan, because you are ordinarily resident in England (not Wales).

What if I normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, but have studied in England for three years?

Residence in England that is purely for purposes of study will not qualify you as ordinarily resident.

For example: You normally live in Dundee, but have spent three years studying a Bachelor’s degree in Canterbury. You won’t be eligible to receive a Masters loan, because you are ordinarily resident in Scotland (not England).

What if I have moved to England from elsewhere to study, but subsequently remained in the country?

You may be eligible for a loan in England if you can prove that you are already living there normally. This means that you haven’t remained in the country purely to access a loan. The Student Loans Company’s assessors will judge this on a case-by-case basis.

For example: You previously lived in Belfast, but moved to Oxford to study for a Bachelor’s degree which you finished last year. You have remained in the city to work and have now decided to study for a Masters degree. You may be eligible for a loan, as England has become your ordinary place of residence. Student Loan Company assessors will consider your case.

What if I move to England in advance – will I count as being resident for the purposes of a loan?

Probably not. Your address history would show that you have moved to England very recently, which would appear suspicious. You would need to convince assessors that you had moved to England for another reason and hadn’t originally intended to study. This is unlikely to be convincing.

For example: You normally live in Edinburgh. Hearing that postgraduate loans will be available for English residents, you move to Portsmouth. Your address history shows that you have only lived in England for only a few months perhaps and that you were not there for any clear purpose. You are judged to have moved for the purposes of study and are deemed ineligible for a loan. We do not recommend that students relocate purely for the purposes of loan eligibility.

How will my residency be checked?

The application process for the loans will ask you for three years of address history. This will be used to determine your ordinary place of residence. In most cases this will be a simple process, but the Student Loans Company’s assessors will review your evidence if necessary.

If any periods of residence outside England are temporary, you will be able to prove this (see below).

Can I base my residency on my parents’ address?

No, your parents’ address will not count as proof of residency unless it is also your own ordinary residence.

What if I have had temporary periods of absence from England or the UK?

Temporary absences or changes of address will not make you ineligible for a loan. However, you will need to demonstrate that they are temporary. Examples of temporary absences could include:

  1. Holidays or leisure travel (you can support this with evidence of short-term accommodation, travel receipts or visa documents, as appropriate).
  2. Temporary employment (fixed term contracts or statements from employers may support this).
  3. Periods of study (for example, time spent studying a Bachelors degree outside England).

What are the residency rules for EU students?

EU students will need to have been normally resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland for three years.

You do not need to have been most recently resident in England. But, if England is your normal place of residence, you may be assessed as an English-domiciled student. If so, you will be able to study anywhere in the UK (EU students are normally restricted to studying in England).

Which are the eligible courses that qualify for a postgraduate loan?

The following list summarises the information in this FAQ, offering a quick ‘at a glance’ look at course eligibility for postgraduate loans.

UK Masters loans – course eligibility — Funded? (Yes/No)

Are loans available for an MBA?

Yes. MBA (Master of Business Administration) degrees are eligible for postgraduate loans. However, the full cost of an MBA programme for the academic year 2025/2026 will often be greater than the maximum £12,858 you can borrow.

Are loans available for MRes?

Yes. MRes (Master of Research) degrees are eligible for postgraduate loans regardless of whether a university defines them as taught or research qualifications.

Are loans available for an MPhil?

Yes. The MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is regarded as a Masters-level research degree, at level 7 of the UK’s Qualification Framework. This means that MPhil degrees are eligible for loans. Note that this only applies to ‘standalone’ MPhils. If you are registering as an MPhil student with the intention of upgrading to a PhD, you will not be able to receive a Masters loan. You will be able to receive a PhD loan instead.

Are loans available for a PGCert or PGDiploma?

No. Postgraduate loans are only available for full Masters degree programmes. These courses are usually worth 180 credits and include a dissertation or equivalent individual project. Loans will not be available for shorter postgraduate courses such as Postgraduate Certificates or Postgraduate Diplomas.

Are loans available for a PGCE?

No. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses and other initial teacher training (ITT) qualifications are covered by other funding from the Department for Education. Note that you can receive a loan to study a postgraduate Master of Education (MED) degree.

Are loans available for an LPC?

Possibly. Postgraduate loans are not available for courses below Masters level. This includes shorter diplomas and certificates such as the LPC (Legal Practice Course). However, many LLM (Master of Laws) programmes include an LPC qualification. In such cases you can take out a loan for an LLM and receive the LPC as part of it.

Are loans available for a GDL?

No. The GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) is a Postgraduate Diploma, not a full Masters degree and is thus not eligible for a Masters loan.

Are loans available for integrated Masters degrees?

No. These are defined as undergraduate, rather than postgraduate courses. As a result, they will not be eligible for postgraduate loans. However, you can usually receive an undergraduate student loan to complete a four year Masters programme.

Are loans available for an MArch?

Not for full-time courses. The MArch (Master of Architecture) is normally an integrated Masters course. These are already supported by undergraduate finance (see above). However, part-time MArch courses may be eligible.

Are there any subject restrictions?

No. You can study any academic, professional or vocational subject, provided it awards a full postgraduate Masters degree.

Can I get a second postgraduate loan?

It might be more complicated to get a second postgraduate loan but there are certain conditions and circumstances that may make you eligible. Please contact us for more information and we’ll be able to check your personal eligibility.

Are loans available for Masters qualifications integrated within a PhD programme?

No. You can only receive a loan to study a standalone Masters degree. The new doctoral loans will be available for separate PhD programmes that also award Masters degrees. However, you will not be able to take out multiple student loans for the same programme.

Can I receive a loan to study a Masters in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Students who are ordinarily resident in England can receive a loan to study at any UK university. Other non-UK EU, EEA and Swiss students can study at universities in England, provided they have been ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

Other parts of the UK have begun considering their own postgraduate loans. In addition, other forms of funding and financial support are already available to study a Masters at one of the many excellent universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What are the location requirements for distance learning Masters courses?

Distance learning programmes can be awarded by any UK university, but you must start them as an English resident. This means you must be a resident in England on the first day of your course.

Can I receive a loan to study a Masters outside the UK, or for a course that includes an overseas component?

In order for your degree to be eligible for a postgraduate loan, it must be delivered and awarded by a UK university. You can still receive a loan to study a Masters that includes an overseas placement or exchange, provided this does not account for more than 50% of your course.

Do part-time students receive the same loan amount?

Note that you won’t receive additional payments if your Masters lasts longer than two years. Your full loan will be paid out in the first two years of your programme, regardless of its total length.

What counts as studying at 50% intensity?

In order to qualify for a part-time Masters loan, you need to be studying at an average intensity of 50%. Simply put, this means that you need to progress through your course at least at half the ‘speed’ of someone studying it full time. Or, to put it the other way around, your degree must take no more than twice as long to complete part-time as it would full-time.

In practice, this means that:

    • A one year Masters would take no more than two years part-time.
    • A two year Masters would take no more than four years part-time.

The vast majority of part-time Masters programmes will already be organised in a way that meets these requirements. Note that your course doesn’t need to be evenly split across each year of study.

Can I receive a loan to study a full-time Masters that lasts longer than a year?

Yes, two-year Masters courses will be eligible for loans. This is the case regardless of whether they are classed as taught or research programmes. Note that the total amount you can borrow is still set at £12,858 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025. If your course lasts longer than a year, your loan amount will be distributed across the first two years of your course.

What does ‘RPI’ mean?

RPI stands for ‘Retail Prices Index.’ It is an annual percentage measure of inflation, based on the price of goods and services in the UK. Interest rates for the postgraduate Masters loans are to be set at RPI. This means that the interest charged on the balance of your loan will be the current RPI percentage. In practice this is a favourable interest rate, intended to beat the market cost for a debt of an equivalent amount.

When will my postgraduate loan begin accruing interest?

Interest will begin accruing on your loan as soon as the first payment is made to you by the Student Loans Company.

When do I start paying back my postgraduate loan?

Repayments for Masters loans will be due from April in the year after you complete your course. However, repayments for the first set of postgraduate loans will not begin until 2026. This means that, if you take out a loan for a one-year Masters in 2024-25, you will have one repayment-free year after you graduate. You may make voluntary early repayments if you wish. For postgraduate loans, if you earn above £21,000 annually (or £1,750 per month or £403.84 per week), students replay 6% of the amount they earn over the threshold.

How do postgraduate loan repayments work if I’m self-employed?

You will still repay your loan if you are self-employed. Instead of being automatically deducted from your salary, repayments will be calculated when you complete your annual self-assessment tax return.

Will I have to make repayments? Do postgraduate loans get written off?

The proposed postgraduate loan scheme is designed on the principle that recipients will eventually repay their loans in full. This represents the government’s confidence in the financial value of a postgraduate degree and the future earning power of Masters graduates.

Your student loan debt will eventually be written off after 40 years, but the vast majority of graduates will already have repaid their loan by this point.

What is student finance and how does it work?

Student loans do not work like other loans. They are given by the government and offer you more protection than loans that you access to buy a house or a car.

For example: 

  • You do not have to repay anything until you leave your course and your income is over £25,000, known as the repayment threshold
  • Your monthly repayments are based on what you earn and not on what you owe, so you pay your loan back gradually over the years

Who gives out student loans?

Student loans in England are managed by the Student Loans Company (SLC). One part of SLC, called Student Finance England, manages applications and distributes the money while you study. Once you finish studying, your total loan balance is then managed by SLC, which also handles repayments.

What exactly are student loans?

The government provides loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses for students. A student loan allows for repayment whenever you graduate or leave your course and earn more than the repayment threshold. This is an advantage. Your monthly repayment amount is determined by your income, not your debt.



Students starting in August 2025 will begin repaying their loans whenever they earn more than £25,000 per year. So, if you make less than that, you won’t have to repay anything. Interest will be applied to your loan from the moment you borrow.

How long do repayments continue for? Are loans ever written off?

Anything you owe will be automatically cancelled after 40 years. The amount you pay back each month depends on what you earn, now what you owe.

What is interest and how does it affect me?

Your total loan is made up of everything you borrowed while studying + interest. 

Interest is added from when the first amount is paid to you or your university until the loan is paid off or cancelled. The Retail Price Index (RPI) measures inflation, which is connected to interest rates. The RPI from the previous March is used to establish the starting point for each academic year. Your loan will not have a higher interest rate than commercial loans like credit cards or personal loans for car purchases. Remember that interest only affects how long it takes to repay your loan, not the amount you repay each week, month or year, which is determined only by your income.

Does student finance affect universal credit?

Yes, your student income can influence how much universal credit you get.

What are the criteria for eligibility?

Most people are entitled to a student loan if they meet the criteria. The main four are:

 

1.Your university/college or course

First of all, your university or college (or another type of institution) must be ‘recognised’ or ‘listed’. This is a lot less complicated than it sounds, as it covers most unis and colleges.

What is more, the course you are enrolling in must fall under the list of qualifying courses supplied by the government. Again, most undergraduate courses are recognised and eligible for funding. But there are some different criteria if you will be studying part-time. Students on most courses at most universities will be eligible for student loans. 

To make sure, head over to the government’s website for the full list of criteria.

2.Whether or not you have studied before

Learners are entitled to a loan that represents the length of their course plus one year BONUS in case they need to retake a module.

If you have previously started a course but had to drop out of uni, you may be eligible to receive funding again. In this scenario, however, a specific formula applies. You must calculate the length of your course plus the one-year bonus minus the number of years you have already received student finance for. For example, if you are applying for a 3-year course and have studied before for 5 months on a different course, you will only get 3 years of funding. If you are applying for a 4-year course and have studied before 2 years for a different course, you will only get 3 years of funding. Similarly, if you are resitting a year at the same institution, you may be eligible for a Maintenance Loan.
If you have already completed a course and obtained your qualification, Student Finance England will not provide funding for another course at the same or lower level. However, they will offer Tuition and Maintenance Loans for any course that is at a higher level than the one you have already completed. The exception to this rule is if you dropped out for “compelling personal reasons”. If so, you could be eligible for funding for your full course regardless of how long you previously studied. These reasons tend to be things like serious illness, rather than simply not liking the course you were on.

You can also get in touch with one of our student finance consultants. They will be able to help you calculate the remaining years for funding a new course.

 

3.Your age

This one should not be an issue for most of you. The only age restrictions on Maintenance Loans affect those aged 60 or over. But even then, you may get some funding if you’re studying full-time.

4.Your nationality and residency status

As a general rule, you are eligible for a both Maintenance Loan and a Tuition Fee Loan if you are a UK national (or have ‘settled status’), normally live in the UK (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) and have done so for the three years prior to the start of your course.

For more information on eligibility visit http://gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies or get in touch with us. 

Are you eligible for student finance?

If you meet these aforementioned criteria, you are most likely eligible. We can check your eligibility for free, so contact us directly.

How many years of student finance can you get?

By adding one year to the total number of years you are applying for, you may determine how many years you will receive them for. After that, subtract the amount of years you spent studying. You should count a portion of a year as a full year of study.

How can you cancel your student finance application?

This is a specific case whose variables depend on your particular circumstances. Please contact us to find out more.

How can you change the university on student finance?

This is a specific case whose variables depend on your particular circumstances. Please contact us to find out more.

Can you get student finance for a master’s degree?

Yes, you can. See our section on postgraduate loans!

Can you get student finance for a second degree?

Yes. Depending on the type of degree, years studied already and other similar criteria, you may be entitled to more student finance. Contact us to check your eligibility for free.

What kinds of loans can I access?

Students can access tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.

What is a tuition fee loan?

The Tuition Fee Loan goes towards the cost of your course and it’s up to a maximum of £9,535 per year. Tuition Fee Loans are paid directly to your university or college in three instalments at the start of each term.

What is a maintenance loan?

The Maintenance Loan helps with the everyday costs of being a student like accommodation, food and transport. The amount you can apply for depends on your personal circumstances, such as your household income and where you will be living and studying.

When is student finance paid?

Tuition fee loans are paid to the institution at the start of each term. Maintenance loans are paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term.

How much student finance will you get?

The size of the Maintenance Loan you’re entitled to will depend on the following four factors:

  • Where in the UK you’re from 
  • Each country within the UK has its own funding body for students. You’ll apply to the body in the country you normally live in when you’re not at uni.
  • Whether you’ll be living at home or not 
  • If you study in London, you can apply for a higher amount of Maintenance Loan up to £13,762. If you study outside London, you can apply for a maximum amount of Maintenance Loan up to £10,544.In most of the UK (apart from Scotland), there’s more funding on offer for students who live away from home while at uni. There’s usually even more funding if you’ll be studying away from home and in London.
  • Your household income 
  • Students from households with a higher income generally receive less generous funding packages from Student Finance bodies. Meanwhile, those from poorer backgrounds usually receive the most generous support. Depending on where in the UK you’re from, this could determine how big a Maintenance Loan you get and/or how big a Maintenance Grant you’re entitled to (if any).
  • How long you’re studying for 
  • If you enrol in an accelerated degree, you may be eligible for extra funding for the additional weeks of study involved each year.

Can you get any other financial support?

There are also some grants available for certain students, such as those with a disability or dependants. Grants are amounts of money that do not need to be paid back, such as:

    • extra help if you’re experiencing financial hardship

 

For more information on what funding is available, visit GOV.UK/student-finance/apply.

How and when should I apply?

Apply online through the Student Finance England (SFE) portal, which opens in March for full-time students. Those taking part-time or short courses apply later in the year.

How exactly do you apply for student finance?

To begin the application process, you must first create a student finance account. Prepare relevant information, such as a passport, National Insurance number and bank account details, to speed up the process.



Details of household income (only if you are under 25, married or living with a partner) – which is needed if you are applying for a Maintenance Loan or any grants – can be added by your sponsor, usually your parents or partner.

What is the deadline for student finance?

When applying for a full-time course, it’s important to submit your application on time to ensure that payment is received on time. Student Finance England operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and while you can apply up to nine months into your study, it is advisable to apply sooner.

Each year, you will need to log into your account, check the information is correct and apply for that year’s loan. For more information on how and when to apply, visit GOV.UK/apply-for-student-finance. We offer full support and guidance to apply for student loans. Please get in touch.

What is the monthly repayment?

The entire loan amount includes all borrowed funds and interest. The monthly repayment amount is determined by your income, not your outstanding balance.

How much student finance do you owe?

To begin repaying your loan, your income must exceed the repayment threshold of £25,000 per year, £2,083 per month, or £480 per week. If you do not earn the specified amount, there is no need to repay. If you do not repay your debt after 40 years, it will be automatically cancelled.

When will you start making repayments?

You will start to repay your loan from the month of April after you graduate or leave your course, assuming you earn more than the repayment threshold.  For example, if you complete a three-year course that started in September 2023, you will not begin repaying your Plan 5 student loan until April 2027.  If your course is one or two years or you leave your course early, you will not have to start repaying your loan until April 2026. Those studying part-time have a different arrangement.  Repayments are deducted directly from your salary by your employer, at the same time as tax and National Insurance. If you are self-employed, you will pay annually through your tax return. Once you earn over the repayment threshold (£25,000 a year, £2,083 a month or £480 a week), 9% (or 9p in every £1) is deducted as your student loan repayment.

Can repayments change?

If your income increases, your repayments will also increase. However, if your income goes down, your repayments will also reduce or stop altogether if it falls below the repayment threshold.

What are some examples of repayments?

Income each year before tax — Student loan monthly repayment

  • £25,000 -> £0
  • £27,500 -> £18
  • £31,000 -> £45
  • £36,500 -> £86
  • £45,000 -> £150

What happens if you suspend or leave your studies?

If you do decide to suspend or withdraw from your studies, it’s really important to contact Student Finance England by phone or social media, and let your uni or college know your decision as soon as possible. This minimises the risk of you being overpaid when it comes to your student loans.

What if you suspend your studies?

Once your uni or college lets Student Finance England know you’ve suspended your studies, they’ll reassess your student finance based on the number of days you attended your course, and will send you a new student finance entitlement letter. They’ll stop any future payments to you or your uni or college until you return to your studies. Depending on the date you suspend, and when your uni or college lets Student Finance England know, you may be overpaid.

What if you withdraw from your course?

Once your uni or college lets Student Finance England know you’ve withdrawn, they’ll reassess your student finance based on the number of days you attended your course. They’ll stop any future payments to you and your uni or college, and send you a new student finance entitlement letter. Depending on the date you withdraw, and when your uni or college lets Student Finance England know, you may be overpaid.

How will you repay your student loan in such scenarios?

You’ll be responsible for repaying any Tuition Fee Loan Student Finance England has paid to your uni or college, and your Maintenance Loan. You’ll repay these as normal, unless you were overpaid.

What if you return to university or college?

If you suspended your studies

If you suspend your studies and then return in the same academic year, your uni or college will let Student Finance England know, and they’ll reassess your student finance. If you return in a new academic year, you should reapply for student finance as normal.

 

If you withdrew

If you withdrew in your first year, you should be able to get full funding to study another course. If you left your course in your second year or later, you may have to cover some or all of the cost of your tuition fees yourself, if you return to study. You’ll usually still be able to get a Maintenance Loan for any self-funded years of study.

What does ‘eligible’ mean?

Whether you are eligible will depend on factors including where you live, the course you choose to study, where you study and whether or not you already hold a higher education degree.

What are the main criteria for eligibility?

  • University/college & course requirements – Your institution must be “recognized” or “listed” and your course must qualify for funding as per the government’s criteria. Most undergraduate courses meet these criteria, though part-time study has additional conditions. Check the government’s website for the full list of criteria.
  • Previous study – You’re generally eligible for the duration of your course plus an extra year if you need to retake a module. If you’ve studied before, calculate your remaining loan eligibility by subtracting previous funding years. If you’ve already completed a degree, funding is only available for a course at a higher level, except in cases of “compelling personal reasons” like serious illness.
  • Age – Maintenance Loans have age restrictions only for those over 60, who may still receive partial funding if studying full-time.
  • Nationality & residency – UK nationals (or those with settled status) who’ve lived in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for three years before the course are eligible for both Maintenance and Tuition Fee Loans.

Who is eligible to get a tuition fee loan?

Eligible full-time (including full-time distance learning) students in England who are starting their first undergraduate degree, or other higher education course, from September 2016 onwards will be able to get a tuition fee loan under the new arrangements detailed here.

What are the residency criteria for eligibility (postgraduate)?

The postgraduate loans introduced in 2016 are only for English students. To be eligible as a UK student you must be ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before you begin your Masters. In addition, you must be most recently resident in England.

EU students must have been ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland for three years prior to their course. EEA and Swiss students must be resident in England and have been living in the UK for three years.

What is the maximum undergraduate student loan amount?

Eligible full-time (including full-time distance learning) and part-time students will be able to get a loan that covers the full amount of their tuition costs. For more details related to the actual amount, please contact us to check your eligibility.

Am I eligible to get student loans for a second bachelor’s degree?

There is no clear yes-or-no answer to this question, as it all depends on your personal circumstances, type and duration of course and specific eligibility conditions. If you haven’t finished a BA/BSc course, you are probably eligible. However, we can check that for you, for free, so contact us!

Am I eligible for a postgraduate loan?

Probably yes, most students in the UK fulfilling certain conditions are eligible. If you are not sure, contact us and we can check your eligibility for free.

Am I eligible to get student finance for a master’s degree?

Yes, you may be eligible to access student funding when pursuing higher education in the form of master’s courses. These are called postgraduate loans.

Am I eligible for a second postgraduate loan?

It might be more complicated to get a second postgraduate loan but there are certain conditions and circumstances that may make you eligible. Please contact us for more information and we’ll be able to check your personal eligibility.

When is the cut-off point for the age restriction?

In order to be eligible for a postgraduate loan, you will need to be under 60 at the beginning of the academic year in which you begin your Masters course.

Am I eligible for a loan to study a full-time Masters that lasts longer than a year?

Yes, two-year Masters courses will be eligible for loans. This is the case regardless of whether they are classed as taught or research programmes.

Are students from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland eligible?

These postgraduate loans are intended for English students. However, eligibility is based on English-residency, not English-nationality. If you are Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish, but normally live in England, you will be able to receive a loan. In order to be eligible, you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years on the first day of the academic year in which your course begins. In addition, you must have most recently been resident in England.

Are students from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man eligible?

Yes, postgraduate loans are available to citizens of the UK and its islands, subject to normal residency criteria.

Are EEA and Swiss students eligible?

Yes. Citizens of non-EU EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland may be eligible. You must be working in the UK, have worked in the UK or have sought work in the UK. In addition, you must be ordinarily resident in England at the start of your course (in the same way as a UK student).

Are other international students eligible?

To be eligible, you will need to be a UK national or EU citizen. Exceptions may apply if you have the right to reside permanently in the UK. This could result in refugee status or other humanitarian protection. Family members of EU citizens may also be eligible for loans. Your university’s international office may be able to provide help if you are unsure what conditions apply in your case.

What are the eligible courses that qualify for an undergraduate loan?

Most undergraduate courses are eligible for funding, with very few exceptions. If you are not sure about the programme you want to choose, contact us and we’ll tell you right away if you are eligible for a loan or not.

What are the eligible courses that qualify for a postgraduate loan?

UK Masters loans – course eligibility — Funded? (Yes/No)

Still having questions?

Our advisors are here to help you understand your options and find the best solution.