Four key things you need to know about student finance

Tuesday 10 September 2019, Money

by UCAS

Four key things you need to know about student finance

UCAS
1. First off, we need to make it clear that we are not student finance! We don’t arrange funding, but we can point you in the right direction and help you to understand the process. 

2. There are two types of loans:
  • A Tuition Fee Loan – this covers the cost of course fees. Your university or college will charge the tuition fee and your loan is paid directly to them. The amount unis charge varies – it can be up to £9,250 per year for a full-time course. Use our search tool to find courses and then use the ‘Fees and finance’ tab to check out how much they cost.
  • A Maintenance Loan – this helps cover living costs while you’re studying. How much you’ll get depends on your household income, where you’ll be studying, where you currently live and how long you’ve lived there for.
3. You can apply for your Maintenance Loan and Tuition Fee Loan at the same time, through your regional funding agency (not UCAS). How much you’ll get will vary depending on where you live. Check out the image below to find your regional funding organisation.

4. You’ll repay your loans once you’ve left university or college, and are earning over the income threshold. The amount you’ll pay back each month will depend on how much you’re earning. 

For more information, take a look at the student finance advice on our website and watch our video to get to grips with the basics.