- Student finance & eligibility
Understanding
Your Student
Finance Options
Clear, calm information to help you understand what support may be available, and what might affect it.
We provide guidance only. Funding decisions are made by the relevant student finance body.
Student finance is government-backed support that may help eligible students pay for university and living costs.
Groups we commonly guide.
UK Citizens
Guidance on courses, applications and the finance information that may apply to you.
Refugees
ILR Holders
Pre-Settled Status Holders
Settled Status Holders
Personal guidance to plan your route into higher education.
Student finance eligibility depends on circumstances, residency history, immigration status, the course and the regulations that apply at the time. Aspire Admission provides guidance only and cannot guarantee funding or eligibility.
Tuition Fee Loan
May help cover the cost of your course fees, usually paid directly to the university or college where applicable.
Maintenance Support
- What can affect eligibility
Things that can Make a Difference.
Decisions depend on the applicable rules, residency history, immigration status, course and individual circumstances.
- Your current immigration or residency status
- The type, level and mode of the course
- Whether you have studied at this level before
- How long you have lived in the UK, and where
-
The institution offering the
course
- The regulations in force when you apply
Making the information make sense.
— Explaining student finance terms in plain language.
— Helping you understand which information may apply to you.
— Preparing questions and documents before you apply.
— Pointing you to the official sources for final decisions.
Let's Help You Understand
Your Options.
Book a free conversation and we’ll talk through your circumstances together.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Finance UK
Do I have to pay back student finance?
Yes, but it works very differently from a normal loan. You only start repaying once you earn above £25,000 per year (on Plan 5). Repayments are 9% of everything you earn above that threshold, deducted automatically from your payslip. If you earn less, you pay nothing. Any remaining balance is wiped after 40 years. Student loans do not affect your credit score.
How much student loan will I get?
It depends on your circumstances. Every eligible UK home student gets a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,790 for 2026/27 — that’s the same regardless of household income. Your Maintenance Loan (for living costs) is means-tested and ranges from around £4,000 to £13,000+ per year depending on household income, where you live, and whether you study in London. Use the gov.uk student finance calculator to get a personalised estimate.
Can I get student finance if my parents earn over £50,000?
Yes. Your parents’ income affects the size of your Maintenance Loan, but you’ll still receive one — it just won’t be the maximum amount. The Tuition Fee Loan is unaffected by household income. Even at higher income levels, most students qualify for a Maintenance Loan of at least £4,500–£5,000 per year.
What is the difference between a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan?
The Tuition Fee Loan covers your university course fees (up to £9,790 in England for 2026/27). It’s paid directly to your university — you never handle this money. The Maintenance Loan helps with living costs (rent, food, travel). It’s paid into your bank account in three instalments across the year. Both are repaid together after graduation, based on your income.
When is the student finance deadline for 2026?
Applications for 2026/27 student finance opened on 23 March 2026. There’s no hard deadline to apply, but Student Finance England recommends applying by late May 2026 to make sure your funding is confirmed before your course starts in September. You can apply up to 9 months after the start of your academic year, but late applications mean delayed payments.