Student Finance England (SFE) is the organization responsible for providing financial support to eligible students pursuing higher education in England. This support primarily includes loans and grants designed to assist with tuition fees and living costs.
Types of Financial Support
- Tuition Fee Loan: This loan covers the full cost of tuition fees, which are paid directly to your university or college. For the 2025/26 academic year, tuition fees have been increased to £9,535 per year.
- Maintenance Loan: Intended to help with living expenses such as accommodation, food, and travel. The amount you can borrow depends on factors like household income, where you live while studying, and the length of your course. For the 2025/26 academic year, maintenance loans have been increased by 3.1%.
- Additional Support: Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for extra financial help, such as:
- Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs): For students with disabilities, mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties
- .Childcare Grant: For students with dependent children in registered or approved childcare.Parents’ Learning Allowance: For students with dependent children.
- Adult Dependants’ Grant: For students with an adult who depends on them financially.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for student finance, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Be a UK national or have ‘settled status’ and normally live in England. You must have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for at least three years before the start of your course.
- Course: Be enrolled in a qualifying course at an approved institution.
- Age: There is no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loans, but if you’re 60 or over on the first day of the first academic year of your course, you may qualify for a reduced Maintenance Loan.
Application Process - Set Up an Online Account: Visit the Student Finance England website to create an account.
- Complete the Application: Log in and fill out the online application form. You’ll need to provide details about your course, household income, and personal information.
- Submit Supporting Evidence: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide proof of identity, household income, or other documentation.
- Await Confirmation: After processing your application, SFE will send you a letter detailing what financial support you’re entitled to.
Repayment Terms
Repayments for student loans begin the April after you finish or leave your course, provided your income exceeds the repayment threshold. As of now, the threshold is £25,000 per year, and you’ll repay 9% of any income above this amount. Interest is applied to your loan from the day you receive your first payment until it’s repaid in full.
Recent Developments
In response to financial pressures faced by universities and concerns about increasing student debt, the government has announced adjustments to tuition fees and maintenance loans in line with inflation for the first time since 2017. Tuition fees will rise from £9,250 to £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year, and maintenance loans will also see a 3.1% increase.
Contact Information
For further assistance or inquiries, you can contact Student Finance England:
Online: Visit the Student Finance England contact page
Phone: 0300 100 0607
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