Student finance explained: tuition and maintenance support
Quick answer: Student finance has two parts: a tuition fee loan paid straight to your university, and a maintenance loan for living costs paid to you. The maintenance amount depends on household income and where you study.
Applying for student finance is the first big money decision many young adults make. This guide explains the two loans, how much you can get, and the extra grants and support available beyond the headline loans.
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Primary source: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
The two loans
The tuition fee loan covers your course fees up to the cap and goes straight to your university, so you never handle that money. The maintenance loan is for rent, food and living costs and is paid to your bank account in instalments across the year.
Both are repaid together later through the income-based system, so what you borrow now does not change your monthly repayments — those depend only on your future income.
How much and how to apply
The maintenance loan is means-tested: it depends on your household income and whether you live at home, away, or in London. Lower household incomes generally qualify for more. Apply through the student finance body for your nation (for example Student Finance England) as early as possible — you can apply before your place is confirmed.
Look beyond the loans too: many universities offer bursaries and hardship funds, and disabled students can claim Disabled Students' Allowance.
Common questions
Does my parents' income affect my loan?
It affects the maintenance loan, which is means-tested on household income. The tuition fee loan is not means-tested.
When should I apply for student finance?
As early as possible, usually in the spring before you start. You do not need a confirmed university place to apply.