2026/27 figures checked 29 Sept 2026 · First instalments are landing now – see payment dates
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Maintenance Loan Payment Dates 2026/27

Your maintenance loan is paid in three instalments, one at the start of each term. The first arrives once your university confirms you’ve registered – usually late September or early October 2026 – then around January and April 2027.

Figures checked 29 September 2026By Ashish YadavHow we calculate

Your term dates

2026/27
£
Don’t know it? Calculate it
Check your university’s term dates
Your expected payments
Instalment 1Mon, 21 September 2026In your account by about Thu, 24 September 2026
£3,610
Instalment 2Mon, 11 January 2027In your account by about Thu, 14 January 2027
£3,610
Instalment 3Mon, 19 April 2027In your account by about Thu, 22 April 2027
£3,610
Your first instalment of £3,610 has to last about 16 weeks until term 2 – roughly £226 a week, including rent.
Instalments are shown as three roughly equal parts. Your Student Finance account shows your exact dates and amounts.

Payment late? What to do →

When the money arrives

Instalment When (typical) What triggers it
1st Start of term 1 (late Sep – early Oct 2026) Your university confirming registration
2nd Start of term 2 (January 2027) Automatic
3rd Start of term 3 (April 2027) Automatic

Exact dates depend on your course’s term dates, so every student’s schedule is a little different. Your Student Finance account shows your personal payment schedule.

Why the first payment can be late

  • Your university hasn’t confirmed your registration yet.
  • Evidence Student Finance asked for (like household income) is still outstanding.
  • Your bank details are wrong or the payment bounced.

Once your account says “payment in progress”, allow up to three working days for it to reach your bank.

Frequently asked questions

When is the maintenance loan paid in September 2026?
On or just after the first day of your course, once your university has confirmed you’ve registered. For most students that’s between mid-September and early October.
Are the three instalments the same amount?
They’re roughly equal – about a third of your yearly loan each. Your student finance account shows the exact split.
How long does “payment in progress” take?
Up to three working days to appear in your bank account.