Student Finance Guide: Undergraduates

Find out all about tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and more.

SU Guide to Undergraduate Funding

Funding Agencies for Each Home Nation

Each part of the UK has its own student funding agency.

England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales

Students should apply to the funding agency for the part of the country they normally live in.

For example, if you normally live in Wales but go to university in England, you will apply for funding through Student Finance Wales.

Types of Loans

Tuition Fees Loan - Home Students

UK undergraduate students can apply.
This loan covers course fees.
The Student Loans Company pays the University directly in instalments each term.

Tuition Fees Loan - EU Students

Since the 2021/22 academic year, EU students are charged the same higher fees as other non-EU international students.
EU students no longer have access to the UK Student Finance system. (Unless they have settled status in the UK)
Check out the Save the Student guide to tuition fees for international students for more details.

Maintenance Loan

Most UK students can apply if eligible.
Helps with living costs like rent, food, travel, and books.
The amount you can borrow depends on your household income.
The Student Loans Company pays this loan directly to you in three instalments (one each term).

Student Finance England (SFE) typically provide the following for undergraduate students:

Funding covers the standard length of your course (usually three years for an undergraduate course, though some courses are longer).
One additional year of funding, called a "gift year," is also included.
The "gift year" provides flexibility if you:

Change courses,
Repeat a year, or
Take a break from studying.

Funding is for your overall study time, not for each course separately. This means that previous higher education (HE) study can reduce the amount of funding you have left.

Long Courses Loan

Extra funding for longer courses.
Use the Government online student finance calculator to see how much you might get.
Important Note: This funding is spread across your existing three instalments. You will need to budget for the summer months.

Quick Student Finance Guide

From the latest Save the Student Finance guide

What is Student Finance?: Government funding to help students from all financial backgrounds go to university.
What's Included?: Loan for course fees and a means-tested Maintenance Loan or Grant for living costs.
Tuition Fees: Up to £9,250 a year, but you don’t pay upfront if eligible for a government loan.
Extra Support: Available for health conditions, childcare, clinical placements, or if you’re struggling financially.
Parental Contribution: Your household is expected to top-up your maintenance loan if you don’t get the full amount. Plan for this!
Repayment: Works like a graduate tax; easier to manage than normal loans.
Repayment Terms: Start repaying after you leave your course and earn enough. Payments adjust with your salary and stop if your income drops.
Interest Rate: Currently 7.9%, this changes.
Loan Write-off: Many loans may be written off before full repayment, especially if you’re not a high earner.
Eligibility: Mostly for UK students, but some exceptions apply.
Additional Funding: Bursaries, scholarships, and other funds are available beyond Student Finance.

Need Help with Extra Funding Due to Compelling Personal Reasons?

If you have run out of Student Finance and have compelling personal reasons affecting your study, you may be eligible for extra funding. This can be complex, so book an appointment here for advice or email us at advice@thesu.org.uk.

Useful Links

Need Help?

Book an appointment to discuss your funding options.
Email us at advice@thesu.org.uk.