Student finance: tuition, living costs and your circumstances

Separate the two main ideas

A Tuition Fee Loan helps fund course fees and is paid to the institution. A Maintenance Loan contributes towards living costs and is paid to the student. These are loans, not a wage for enrolling or free money.

Before choosing a programme, understand the cost of studying, the support you may be able to request and the expenses you will need to meet throughout the year. Aim for a realistic study plan, rather than a decision based only on an advertised amount.

Both your circumstances and your course matter

Eligibility can depend on the institution, course, previous study, age, nationality and residence. Having settled or pre-settled status alone does not confirm entitlement to every type of support.

Initial guidance helps identify what needs checking. The relevant funding body makes the decision and may require additional evidence. If your circumstances change, you also need to check the effect on your application.

Your intake matters too

GOV.UK sets out a specific route for certain courses beginning on or after 1 January 2027: Lifelong Learning Entitlement, or LLE. Check your actual start date, programme and the rules that apply to that intake.

Do not take a figure from a different academic year, or a friend’s experience, as confirmation of what you will receive. Refer to the assessment of your own application and the payment schedule in your official account.

Ask these questions before deciding

Use this checklist to prepare a useful conversation about funding:

• Can this particular institution and course support an application for the funding I need?
• Which support is for tuition, and which is for living costs?
• Do my previous studies or personal circumstances affect the position?
• What evidence is outstanding, and which intake are we considering?
• What attendance is required, and does it fit my work and other commitments?

Commitment and repayment

Studying means meeting the conditions of both the course and funding. Report relevant changes and follow official guidance if you suspend or leave. Repayment depends on your loan plan and income; overpayments can be treated differently from the normal repayment schedule.

CalmaLink provides free guidance and coordinates application support with education partners. Start with the course you want to study, prepare your information and use the official sources linked here to check the current conditions for your circumstances.