GOV.UK
The student finance you can apply for depends on your course, when it started, your income and if you’re from the UK or the EU.
There are different rules for courses that started on or after 1 September 2012.
UK full-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and Maintenance Grant.
UK part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Grant and Course Grant.
EU full-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan.
EU part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Grant.
Apply
You can apply online if you’re a UK student.
EU students can download the application forms using the form finder.
You can apply up to 9 months after the start of your course.
Tuition Fee Loans
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan if you’re a full-time UK or EU student.
The loan is paid directly to your university or college and you have to pay the loan back.
Part-time students can’t apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
| Full-time student | Tuition Fee Loan per year |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Up to £3,465 |
| Full-time at a private university or college | Up to £3,465 |
Tuition Fee Grant
You can apply if you’re a part-time UK or EU student.
The grant depends on your household income (your partner’s plus your own). The grant is paid directly to your university or college.
You must study at a rate of at least 50% equivalent to a full-time course (check with your university or college).
Full-time students can’t apply.
| Part-time student household income | Grant for 2013 to 2014 | Grant for 2014 to 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £16,845 | £845 to £1,270 | £855 to £1,285 |
| £16,846 to £25,420 | £795 to £1,220 | £805 to £1,235 |
| Over £25,420 | No grant | No grant |
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You must be a full-time UK student.
You have to repay the loan. The loan depends on your household income (your parents’ or partner’s income plus yours) and where you live. It will be paid into your bank account at the start of term.
You can’t apply if you’re a part-time or EU student
| Full-time student | Loan for 2013 to 2014 | Loan for 2014 to 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Living at home | Up to £3,838 | Up to £3,876 |
| Living away from home, outside London | Up to £4,950 | Up to £5,000 |
| Living away from home, in London | Up to £6,928 | Up to £6,997 |
Maintenance Grant for living costs
You must be a full-time UK student.
You don’t have to repay the grant - the grant depends on your household income (parents’ or partner’s income plus yours) and when you start your course.
The grant is paid into your bank account at the start of term.
You can’t apply if you’re a part-time or EU student.
| Full-time student – household income | Grant for 2013 to 2014 | Grant for 2014 to 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| £25,000 or less | £3,080 | £3,110 |
| £25,001 to £50,706 | £50 to £3,079 | £50 to £3,109 |
| Over £50,706 | No grant | No grant |
Course Grant for living costs
You can apply if you’re a part-time UK or EU student.
The grant depends on your household income (your partner’s plus your own).
The grant is paid directly into your account at the start of term.
Full-time students can’t apply.
| Part-time student household income | Grant for 2013 to 2014 | Grant for 2014 to 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £26,029 | £275 | £280 |
| £26,030 to £28,065 | £50 to £274 | £50 to £279 |
| Over £28,065 | No grant | No grant |
Extra help
You might also get:
- scholarships and bursaries from your college or university - eg if you’re on a low income
- extra help for students with children: a Childcare Grant or a Parents’ Learning Allowance
- Disabled Students’ Allowances
- NHS bursaries if you’re a medical student
- Social work bursaries
- Access to Learning Fund if you’re on a low income
- help with costs of travel
Repayments
You only make repayments when your income is over:
- £314 a week
- £1,363 a month
- £16,365 a year
Each month you pay back 9% of any income over the threshold.
Your repayments stop if your income drops below the threshold.
Example You earn £1,750 before tax per month. This is £387 over the threshold.
9% of £387 is £34.
Your student loan repayment would be £34 a month.
The Student Loans Company has detailed information on repayments.