Higher education student finance

In the UK, Student Finance is available to help eligible students cover the cost of tuition and living expenses while studying in higher education.

The best way to apply is online, it's quick, easy, and secure. You can apply for student finance before you've confirmed your final decision or received an unconditional offer from UCAS. We advise that you apply as soon as possible to ensure your finance application is assessed in time for the start of your course.

What support can you get?

Tuition fee loan
Covers your course fees and is paid directly to your university or college.

Maintenance loan
Helps with living costs like rent, food, and travel. The amount depends on your household income and where you live.

Extra support
Available if you have a disability, children, or adult dependants.

How do I apply for student finance?

For loan applications for courses starting before January 2027
You will need to apply to Student Finance England once you have submitted your application and you have been provided an offer.
What documents and evidence do I need to send?
- If you're only applying for the Tuition Fee Loan and the basic Maintenance Loan (the section that doesn't depend on your household income), you only need to complete the application.
- If you apply for financial support that depends on your household income you will need to provide your/your parents National Insurance number and financial information on your application. This will be checked by HM Revenue and Customs.
- Once you've submitted your application, you may be asked to send supporting evidence.
- If asked to, send photocopies of the documents, not the originals, as soon as possible.
When will I find out about my student finance application?
- Once your application has been assessed you will be sent a Student Finance Entitlement Letter, explaining how much money you are entitled to.
- If you applied for your student finance online, you must sign, date, and return a declaration form to Student Finance England.
What happens after I receive a Student Finance Entitlement Letter?
- When prompted to provide a payment method during enrolment, please upload a copy of your entitlement letter or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- You must then attend College enrolment and start your course to enable us to process your student finance application. When we have verified you as attending your course, we will then confirm your loan application with Student Finance England.
Top Tip: Save all of your documentation and letters sent to you (including any College and UCAS letters) as you many need to take these with you to register at the start of your course.

For loan applications for courses starting from January 2027
From January 2027, the current student loan system will be replaced by the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). This new system is designed to give you more flexibility to study, retrain, or upskill throughout your life.
What is changing?
The LLE will replace:
- Higher Education student loans
- Advanced Learner Loans for Level 4-6 qualifications
- It introduces a single funding system for post-18 education in England.
Your entitlement
- Up to £38,140, equivalent to four years of full-time study at current fee rates.
- You can use this for:
- Full courses (e.g., degrees, Higher Technical Qualifications)
- Individual modules from approved courses
How previous funding affects Your LLE entitlement
- If you have already received government support for higher-level learning (e.g., a degree funded by SFE), you may not have the full £38,140 entitlement.
- Instead, you will have a residual entitlement, which is the remaining balance after deducting what you’ve already used for Level 4-6 study. (See below for example)
- Full entitlement = £38,140 (equivalent to 4 years of full-time study).
- If you used £27,000 for a previous degree, you would have about £11,140 left for future courses or modules. HEP | LLE FAQ | How funding will work
Additional funding may be available for longer courses or priority subjects.
Living costs support
- Maintenance loans will still be available for courses with in-person attendance.
- Extra support continues for:
- Students with disabilities
- Childcare costs
- Adult dependants
Eligibility
- Available to new learners and those returning to study.
- Residency and nationality rules remain similar to current student finance.
- Tuition fee loans available up to age 60.
When to apply
- Applications open September 2026 for courses and modules starting from January 2027.