2026/27 figures checked 29 Sept 2026 · First instalments are landing now – see payment dates
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Parental Contribution Calculator 2026/27

Student Finance England never sends parents a bill. But when household income is above £25,000, it cuts the loan and assumes the family will make up the difference. In 2026/27 that expected top-up can reach £7,096 a year for a student in London.

Figures checked 29 September 2026By Ashish YadavHow we calculate

Your details

2026/27 · England
£a year
Before tax, 2024 to 2025. Not sure?
Expected family contribution
£3,863a year
Per month£322
Per week£74
Per term£1,288then £1,288, £1,287
Maximum loan£10,830
Student gets£6,967
Student Finance reduced the loan by £3,863 because household income is above £25,000. It assumes the family will make up that gap – but nobody collects it, and there’s no legal duty to pay it.
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How the expected contribution is worked out

Expected contribution = maximum loan for your living arrangement − the loan you actually get.

Household income With parents Away, outside London Away, in London
£25,000 £0 £0 £0
£35,000 £1,529 £1,545 £1,572
£45,000 £3,058 £3,091 £3,144
£55,000 £4,587 £4,636 £4,716
£65,000 £5,105 (cap) £5,782 (cap) £6,289

The contribution stops rising once the loan reaches its minimum.

It isn’t compulsory

There’s no legal requirement for parents to pay it, and many can’t. If your family can’t help, talk to your university’s money advice team about bursaries and hardship funds.

Frequently asked questions

Do parents have to pay the parental contribution?
No. It is not collected by anyone. It’s the gap Student Finance assumes the family will fill because the loan is reduced for higher household incomes.
What is the maximum parental contribution?
In 2026/27 it is £5,105 for students living with parents, £5,782 away from home outside London and £7,096 in London – the difference between the maximum and minimum loan.