Undergraduate student finance

Find out about the Government's student finance support.

Student loans

The two main costs you will face as an undergraduate student are tuition fees and living costs. If you live in England and are entering higher education at undergraduate level, student loans are currently available from the Student Finance England for both of these costs.

From January 2027, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will replace the current student finance system in England. New courses beginning on or after January 2027 will only be funded through this LLE.

Both Student Finance England and Lifelong Learning Entitlement work like this:

  • The Government loans you the money to pay your tuition fees and some of your living costs
  • You pay the Government back, in instalments, after you graduate
  • Your repayments are in proportion to your income
  • You only start repaying when you earn over a certain amount
  • Repayment rates are decided in advance, so there shouldn’t be any unexpected changes.

If you have previously studied a higher education course, you may not be eligible for either a tuition or maintenance loan. It is important to check this before you start studying. If you are unsure what funding you have available to you, you should contact Student Finance England directly.

It’s important to apply as soon as possible, to ensure your funding is in place for the start of the academic year.

Student living in other parts of the UK should take a look at the following websites for more information:

EU students

If you’re starting a course at an English university or further education institution, you must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get student finance.

Irish citizens are not required to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Tuition Fee Loan

A Tuition Fee Loan is funding to help with the costs of tuition fees charged by the university. It’s paid directly to the University.

This loan is only available to new and continuing students studying an eligible:

  • undergraduate course
  • Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Find out more on the student finance website. If you are unsure what funding you have available to you, you should contact Student Finance England directly.

Maintenance Loan

A Maintenance Loan, sometimes called a 'living cost loan', is funding to help with day-to-day costs while studying. It’s paid directly to the student.

This loan is only available to new and continuing full-time students studying an eligible:

  • Undergraduate course
  • Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

The maintenance loan you receive is dependent on many factors, including your household income and where you live while studying.

It is important to plan financially for your studies based on what you receive. Get an estimate of the loan you would receive.

To help you plan for the cost of study, you can find out more about the cost of living at university.

Additional support

You may be eligible for additional support from Student Finance England (or LLE from January 2027), if:

  • You are a single parent
  • Your partner is also a student
  • You have certain disabilities.

For full details and qualifying criteria, see the student finance website.