Student finance for full-time students

Paying for studying a Higher Education (HE) course at a university or college

The costs related to studying HE fall into two parts - tuition fees (study costs) and living or maintenance costs. The government provides funding to cover both these costs. The financial support you receive from the government is called student finance. You apply online for student finance - applications open in February of the year your course starts.

  • A Tuition Fee Loan covers tuition fees. Currently universities and colleges can charge up to £9,250 a year for tuition fees for full-time courses. Each university or college can decide what it charges, including whether to charge at different levels for different courses. Check details in university prospectuses and their websites. 
  • A Maintenance Loan covers accommodation and day to day living costs. The amount you can borrow for maintenance depends upon your family’s income, whether you are living at home, living away from home, studying in London, or studying a longer course. 

Funding for studying HE courses is complicated and can change frequently, so always check the latest information on the GOV.UK website.

UCAS have information on everything you need to know about student finance. 

Also take a look at the information on the Student Loans Company website.

If you don't already have one, you will need to open a bank account.

Repaying your loan
  • You will only repay your student loan when your income is over the threshold amount for your repayment plan.
  • Your income is the amount you earn (including things like bonuses and overtime) before tax and other deductions.
  • What you pay back depends upon your income, not the size of your loan.
  • The threshold amounts change on 6 April every year.

Find out more about repaying your student loan.

Other sources of funding

  • Most universities and colleges offer some help with finance through bursaries and scholarships. This is money that does not have to be paid back. Some are based on merit and others on financial need. Check university and college websites for more information. UCAS also has information on scholarships, grants and bursaries.

  • Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) provides support to cover study-related costs you may have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs, not your household income. You do not need to pay back DSA.

  • There may also be extra help if you are leaving care from both your local council and university. Enter this on your UCAS application when asked to ensure universities and colleges are aware and can offer extra help and support.

Additional help for specific courses
  • Healthcare students on courses leading to professional registration in specific healthcare occupations may be eligable for a NHS bursary. Check which courses are eligable, see NHS bursaries. 
  • Dance and Drama students - there are 17 private dance and drama schools that have scholarships funded by the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs).
Sponsorship or higher or degree apprenticeships

A range of organisations offer sponsorship to students on degree courses with a large vocational element. Usually these are large companies or professional organisations. Many employers are now offering higher or degree apprenticeships instead of sponsorships, they may also offer paid work experience and university study. Look for details on company websites and in university prospectuses, also check out higher and degree apprenticeships. You may need to apply very early for these.

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