Access funding from Student Finance England
Most of our students fund their course through Student Finance England. Here’s how it works, what you could get, and how we help you apply step by step.
Tuition Fee Loan
Covers your course fees and is paid straight to the university, so there’s nothing to pay upfront.
Fees for 2026/27 ↓Maintenance Loan
Helps with living costs while you study. How much you get depends on household income and where you live.
What you could get ↓Grants
Extra help you don’t pay back if you have children or adults who depend on you financially.
See grants →Nursing students
The NHS Learning Support Fund includes a £5,000 a year Training Grant that you don’t pay back.
Nursing course →Tuition fees for UK students, 2026/27
Fees are set by each university. If you’re eligible, a Tuition Fee Loan covers them in full.
| Courses | Foundation year | Each degree year |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting & Finance, Business Management, Criminology and Psychology, Criminology with Law, Digital Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism, LLB (Law), Policing & Criminal Investigation, Project Management, Supply Chain Management | £5,760 | £9,790 |
| Computing, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Healthcare Management, Psychology & Counselling | £9,790 | £9,790 |
| Nursing | No foundation year | £9,790 |
Fees can rise in later years. We confirm the fee for your course before you apply.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
The Maintenance Loan is paid to you to help with rent, bills, travel and other costs while you study. The amounts below are the most you can get in 2026/27, for students with the lowest household incomes.
| Where you live while studying | Maximum a year |
|---|---|
| Living with your parents | £9,118 |
| Living away from your parents, outside London | £10,830 |
| Living away from your parents, in London | £14,135 |
- If you live in your own home, for example with a partner or children, Student Finance counts you as living away from your parents.
- The amount is based on household income. For adult learners, this usually means your income and, if you have one, your partner’s.
- The loan is usually lower in the final year of your course.
Who can get Student Finance?
The main rules are:
- You’re a UK national or have settled or pre-settled status, and you’ve normally lived in the UK for the 3 years before your course starts.
- You’re studying an eligible course, such as a degree with a foundation year at an approved university.
- Previous university study can reduce what you get, or mean you can’t get some funding.
Student Finance England makes the final decision. We check your situation on your first call.
How repayment works
If you start a course now, your loan is on repayment Plan 5.
- You start repaying the April after you leave your course, and only when your income is over £25,000 a year.
- You repay 9% of what you earn above that amount, usually through your payslip. If your income drops, so do your repayments.
- Anything left after 40 years is written off. Grants don’t need to be paid back.
For full details and current rates, see GOV.UK: repaying your student loan.
What you’ll need to apply
- Your passport or other proof of identity
- Your National Insurance number
- Your UK bank account details
- Your course and university details, which we give you
- Income details for you and, if relevant, your partner
When to apply
Apply as soon as you’ve applied for your course. You don’t need a confirmed place first, and applying early means your funding is ready when your course starts.
Applications are made online through GOV.UK, and our team guides you through each step.
How we help you
Advice
Our team provides step-by-step advice on how to complete the Student Finance England application. It need not be complicated. We can also advise on student loans, grants and other financial support.
Support
The university application process can be overwhelming, and combined with the Student Finance application it can feel like a lot. We offer comprehensive support so you can complete your funding application with zero stress.
Keep track
There are specific deadlines and requirements for both university applications and Student Finance England. We help you keep track so you don't miss anything important.
Student Finance questions
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No, if you’re eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan. It’s paid straight to the university, so you don’t pay your fees yourself.
Is there an age limit for Student Finance?
There’s no upper age limit for a Tuition Fee Loan. If you’re 60 or over when your course starts, the Maintenance Loan you can get is different.
Will Student Finance affect my benefits?
It can. Maintenance Loans usually count as income for Universal Credit and some other benefits, while some grants don’t. Check with your benefits provider before you start, and we can point you to the right guidance.
What if I’ve studied at university before?
Previous study can reduce what you can get, or mean you can’t get some funding. Tell us about it on your first call and we’ll explain how it affects you.
When does the money arrive?
Tuition fees are paid to the university. Maintenance Loan payments usually arrive in three instalments, one at the start of each term, once you’ve enrolled.
Figures are for the 2026/27 academic year and are set by Student Finance England, which changes them each year. This page is general guidance, not financial advice.
Funding guides
Can you get Student Finance without A-Levels
Yes. You do not need A-Levels to qualify for Student Finance England. Student Finance England decides eligibility based on factors such as your course…
How much does a foundation year cost, and how do you pay?
A Foundation Year at a UK university usually has tuition fees similar to other undergraduate years, although the exact amount depends on the university…
Ready to start studying?
Take the free eligibility check. Our Admissions team will call you to talk through your options, with no commitment.
