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STUDENT FINANCE
For the 2026 / 27 * academic year, the maximum UK undergraduate tuition fee that universities and colleges can charge“ home”( UK-domiciled) full-time students is £ 9,790 per year.
Up from £ 9,535 in 2025 / 26. This increase is set by the UK Government and reflects inflation-linked adjustments.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are paid directly to the university or college. The tuition fee loan is not based on your household income. They are available to eligible students to cover the cost of tuition fees.
Maintenance Loans
Maintenance loans are paid into your bank account each term, so you’ ll get 3 payments a year. This is to cover the cost of living while you study. How much you get depends on where you reside whilst studying and your household income.
Maintenance Loan
• Living at home- up to £ 9,118 * per year
• Living elsewhere- up to £ 10,830 * per year
• Living in London- up to £ 14,135 * per year
• Studying overseas as part of a UK course- up to £ 12,403 *
TOP TIP
Apply as soon as possible- the application window usually runs from early Spring.
Bursaries and Scholarships
You may be able to access additional money that doesn’ t need to be repaid if you qualify for a bursary or scholarship.
Bursaries are usually awarded to students based on their personal circumstances, or if they come from a low-income family.
Scholarships are usually rewarded to students who are outstanding in a specific subject, sport or in music. They generally( but not always) need to be applied for, and are often competitive. Contact the university or college dircetly to enquire. You can also search“ scholarships, bursaries & grants” on UCAS.
If you’ re under 25 and have no contact with your parents, you might be able to apply as an‘ estranged student’.
Students who meet the definition of a care leaver in education will automatically be entitled to receive maximum rates for loans for living costs from academic year
26 / 27, therefore removing the income assessment for living cost loans. For more information about what is meant by the term‘ care leaver’ visit: practitioners. slc. co. uk / care-leavers /