2026/27 figures checked 29 Sept 2026 · First instalments are landing now – see payment dates
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Northern Ireland Maintenance Loan & Grant Calculator 2026/27

Northern Ireland students can get a Maintenance Grant of up to £3,569 (household income £19,203 or less) plus a Maintenance Loan of up to £6,471 at home, £8,352 away or £11,699 in London. The grant reduces the loan, but total support is highest for lower-income households.

Figures checked 29 September 2026By Ashish YadavHow we calculate

Your details

2026/27
The UK nation you live in, not where you’ll study.
£a year
Parents’ income before tax for 2024 to 2025, minus pension contributions. Work it out →
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Your total support for living costs · 2026/27
£8,352a year
Estimate
Per term£2,7843 instalments
Per month£696over 12 months
Per week£161over 52 weeks
Maintenance Grant £167 – not repaidLoan £8,185 – repaid
SFNI publishes exact figures at £19,203, £25,000, £30,000, £35,000 and £41,540. Between those we estimate on a straight line, so this may differ by a few pounds.

First payment arrives once your university confirms registration. Payment dates · Will it cover rent?

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Instalments: £2,784, £2,784, £2,784.

How SFNI support works

Household income Grant Loan (with parents) Loan (away from home)
£19,203 or less £3,569 £4,570 £6,451
£25,000 £2,261 £4,892 £6,773
£30,000 £1,248 £5,223 £7,104
£35,000 £708 £5,763 £7,644
£41,540 £0 £6,471 £8,352

Figures from nidirect and SFNI for 2026/27. Between these incomes our calculator estimates the amounts on a straight line. Above £41,540 SFNI reduces the loan gradually, but you always get at least 75% of the maximum.

NI loans are repaid on Plan 1: 9% of income above £26,900.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum maintenance grant in Northern Ireland?
£3,569 in 2026/27, for household income of £19,203 or less. No grant is paid at £41,540 or above.
Does the grant reduce my loan?
Yes. Part of the grant replaces loan – up to £1,901 at the lowest incomes – so you borrow less but still get more in total.
What is the minimum maintenance loan in NI?
Around 75% of the maximum for your living arrangement is available whatever your household income.