How do I apply for a student loan?

Hi everyone! I'm starting uni soon and want to make sure I apply for my student loan correctly. Can anyone share what the process was like for them or any tips for first-time applicants? 😊

Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Reply 1

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

Original post

by Mariamagdalena

Hi!

Are you looking to apply through Student Finance England? If so, the process is online and straightforward. Once you have been unconditionally accepted to your university of choice, you can make your student finance application. Have your national insurance number, bank details and information about your household income ready.
Here are guides on how to make your application:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/student-finance-england-how-to-guide

https://www.ucas.com/money-and-student-life/money/student-finance/student-finance-england

-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Mariamagdalena

Applications for SFE will open in March for Sep/Oct 2026 entry. You can apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. The amount of maintenance loan you get is based on household income so your parent(s) will be required to provide details of their annual income if you want to apply for more than the minimum. There is a soft deadline for applications - usually around May - but you can apply later. The soft deadline ensures that your application will be processed and your funding will be in place by the start of uni. You don't need an unconditional offer to apply for student finance as mentioned in the previous post. Apply with your best guess as to which uni you will be attending as that can be changed easily later.

Both the loans are paid in three instalments. The tuition fee instalments are paid directly to your university. The maintenance loan is paid around the start of each term and will be paid into your bank account. You can use your loan for anything but you should use it to pay your accommodation fees and for food, transport, social activities, etc.

Repayments start the April after you graduate if you are earning over the threshold of £25k per year. The repayments are 9% of anything you earn over £25k and you will repay until you clear the loan or for 40 years - whichever comes first.

I recommend that you read the following article:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-england-plan-5/

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor