Maintenance Loan Rates 2026/27
Every official 2026/27 figure for student living-cost support across the UK. English students can borrow up to £14,135; Welsh students get up to £15,720 in total, part of it as a grant.
England – Maintenance Loan 2026/27
Full loan at household income of £25,000 or less. Assessed on income from the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
| Living arrangement | Maximum | Minimum | Min. reached at | Final year max | Long Courses Loan / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With parents | £9,118 | £4,013 | £58,387 | £8,579 | £77 |
| Away, outside London | £10,830 | £5,048 | £62,410 | £10,242 | £116 |
| Away, in London | £14,135 | £7,039 | £70,131 | £13,096 | £149 |
| Studying abroad | £12,403 | £5,996 | £66,069 | £11,103 | £161 |
Tuition Fee Loan up to £9,790 (£11,750 accelerated). Aged 60+: up to £4,582. Childcare Grant up to £199.62/week (1 child) or £342.24 (2+). Parents’ Learning Allowance up to £2,024. Adult Dependants’ Grant up to £3,545.
Wales – total support 2026/27
| Living arrangement | Total support | Max grant (≤ £18,370) | Min grant (≥ £59,200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| With parents | £10,685 | £7,020 | £1,020 |
| Away, outside London | £12,590 | £8,260 | £1,020 |
| Away, in London | £15,720 | £10,325 | £1,020 |
Scotland (SAAS) – 2026/27
| Household income | Young: bursary + loan | Independent: bursary + loan |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £20,999 | £2,000 + £9,400 | £1,000 + £10,400 |
| £21,000 – £23,999 | £1,125 + £9,400 | £0 + £10,525 |
| £24,000 – £33,999 | £500 + £9,400 | £0 + £9,900 |
| £34,000 and above | £0 + £8,400 | £0 + £8,400 |
Northern Ireland – 2026/27
| Household income | Maintenance Grant | Loan: with parents | Loan: away | Loan: London |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £19,203 or less | £3,569 | £4,570 | £6,451 | £9,798 |
| £25,000 | £2,261 | £4,892 | £6,773 | £10,120 |
| £30,000 | £1,248 | £5,223 | £7,104 | £10,451 |
| £35,000 | £708 | £5,763 | £7,644 | £10,991 |
| £41,540 | £0 | £6,471 | £8,352 | £11,699 |
Above £41,540 the loan reduces gradually to a minimum of about 75% of the maximum.
Repayment plans
| Plan | Who | Threshold | Rate | Interest | Written off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | England/Wales courses started before Sept 2012, and Northern Ireland | £26,900 | 9% | 4.1% | 25 yrs |
| Plan 2 | England/Wales courses started Sept 2012 – July 2023 | £29,385 | 9% | 4.1%–6% | 30 yrs |
| Plan 4 | Scottish students (SAAS) | £33,795 | 9% | 4.1% | 30 yrs |
| Plan 5 | England courses started on or after 1 August 2023 | £25,000 | 9% | 4.1% | 40 yrs |
| Postgraduate Loan | Master’s and Doctoral loans (England/Wales) | £21,000 | 6% | 6% | 30 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum maintenance loan in 2026/27?
In England it is £14,135 for students living away from home in London, £10,830 away from home elsewhere and £9,118 living with parents.
What is the minimum maintenance loan in 2026/27?
In England the minimum is £4,013 living with parents, £5,048 away from home and £7,039 in London.
When do the new rates apply?
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, usually September. They apply to new and continuing students.