Students and graduates across the UK have different student loan plans depending on when and where they studied. Loan rules vary between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but most students still need to borrow to pay for their studies. The average graduate in England leaves university with debts of more than £47,500.
Student loans vary depending on where you live in the UK and when you started your course. Most people are entitled to the tuition fee element, which is equal to the annual cost of their course, external. Maximum fees vary across the UK: Northern Ireland: £4,985 for Northern Irish students or £9,790 for other UK students.
Scotland: Free for the majority of Scottish students and £9,790 for other UK students. The separate maintenance loan is intended to cover accommodation, food, books and equipment. Maintenance loans are means tested, so the amount you get depends on your family's household income.
You might get extra money if you are disabled, or have children. If you are under 25 and have no contact with your parents, you might be able to apply as an "estranged student"., external This means your parents' financial situation is not taken into consideration. Research by the Higher Education Policy Institute published in May 2024, external suggested maintenance loans in England typically only covered about half the cost of living, and even less for students in London.
In April 2026, over 20,000 students were told they had been "mis-sold" their maintenance loans as their courses were ineligible, and were told to pay back the money they had received. 'Huge relief' as students given loans 'in error' get repayment reprieve Students who took out a loan in England to start university between September 2012 and July 2023 have a Plan 2 loan. These loans are still issued in Wales. Graduates with Plan 2 loans pay back 9% of everything they earn over the repayment threshold.
In the November 2025 Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the threshold would be frozen at £29,385 between 2027 and 2030, rather than rising with inflation. That means students will start repaying their loans sooner than they would otherwise have done, and their rising salaries will lead to greater repayments. Campaigners want to see that change reversed, and for the government to consider a lower repayment rate and a lower interest rate.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
