Who qualifies for Student Finance?
Most UK residents starting their first higher-education course can apply - and there's no upper age limit.
Eligibility generally depends on your nationality or residency status, where you'll study, and whether you've studied a higher-education course with funding before. You typically qualify if you're a UK national or have settled or pre-settled status, have lived in the UK for the required period, and are taking an eligible course at an approved college or university.
Previous study can affect how much funding you're entitled to - but it rarely rules you out completely, and it's the single thing most people get wrong on their own. That's exactly what we check for you, free.
What's the difference between the two loans?
There are two separate loans - one pays your course, the other helps you live.
Tuition Fee Loan
Covers the cost of your course fees. It's paid directly to your college or university - the money never passes through your hands.
Maintenance Loan
Helps with living costs - rent, travel, food, bills - while you study. It's paid to you, usually in three instalments across the year.
You can apply for one or both. Many of our students take both, so studying doesn't mean going without while they're enrolled.
How are you assessed and paid?
You apply to Student Finance England, they assess you, then funding is released around the time your course starts.
- You apply. Online, with help from us - we make sure every field is right so it isn't delayed or rejected.
- You're assessed. Your Maintenance Loan amount is worked out from your household income; your Tuition Fee Loan covers your fees.
- Funding is confirmed. You get a letter setting out exactly what you'll receive.
- You're paid. Tuition goes to your provider; your Maintenance Loan lands in your bank account in instalments once you're enrolled.
How and when do you repay?
You only repay once you're earning above a set threshold - and it comes out gradually, like tax.
You don't repay anything while you study, or while you earn under the threshold for your repayment plan. Once you earn above it, you repay a small percentage of the amount over the threshold - automatically through the payroll system. If your income drops below the threshold, repayments stop. Any balance still left after the set period is written off.
| What it means | In practice |
|---|---|
| While studying | You repay nothing. |
| Earning below threshold | You repay nothing. |
| Earning above threshold | A small % of income over the threshold, taken automatically. |
| After the set period | Any remaining balance is written off. |
Exact thresholds, rates and repayment periods depend on your repayment plan and can change year to year - we'll talk you through the current figures for your situation.
So is it really funded - or does it cost me?
Honestly: it's a loan, not free money - but for most people it makes study genuinely affordable.
For most of the people we help, this is what makes university or college possible at all. We'll always give you the honest picture so you can make the right decision for you.
Where can I get the official information?
For the definitive rules, current rates and to apply, the official source is the UK government: