Student Loan Maintenance

Student Loan Maintenance helps with your living costs.  Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term (or monthly in Scotland).

New full-time students

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.

Tuition Fee Loan

Your university or college sets your tuition fee, and the loan is paid directly to them. You have to pay it back.

2026 to 2026 academic year2026 to 2026 academic year
Full-time studentUp to £9,250Up to £9,250

If you’re studying an accelerated degree course, you could get up to £11,100.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You may have to give details of your household income.

The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term. You have to pay the loan back.

2026 to 2026 academic year2026 to 2026 academic year
Living at homeUp to 7,747Up to £7,987
Living away from home, outside LondonUp to £9,203Up to £9,488
Living away from home, in LondonUp to £12,010Up to £12,382
You spend a year of a UK course studying abroadUp to £10,539Up to £10,866

You must report any changes to your living arrangements in your online account, so you get the correct amount of student finance. You might need evidence of any changes.

If you’re 60 or over on the first day of the first academic year of your course you can apply for up to £4,014.

Use the student finance calculator to estimate your Maintenance Loan.

Applying during coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • changes in your household income
  • self-isolation stopping you from posting evidence
  • contacting the Student Loans Company

Coronavirus and maintenance loans

You do not need to tell SLC if your course has moved online, as long as your living arrangements stay the same. If they have changed, you must update your address in your online account.

Extra help with travel costs

You might get a grant to cover some travel expenses if you normally live in England but study away from home. If you’re a medical or dental student you might also qualify for help with the costs of attending clinical placements in the UK.