UniStart is a free guidance platform and mobile app that helps UK residents discover funded university courses, understand how Student Finance works and get support from real Student Advisors.

Is UniStart a university or a government organisation?

No. UniStart is not a university and not a government body. It is an independent guidance and recruitment service operated by AllCampus UK Limited to help residents apply to partner universities that can be funded through Student Finance.

Who operates UniStart?

UniStart is operated by AllCampus UK Limited, an education recruitment and advisory company based in the United Kingdom.

Is UniStart free to use?

Yes. UniStart guidance is free for students and applicants. In many cases AllCampus UK Limited is paid by partner universities when a student successfully enrols and receives funding, so applicants do not pay any consultancy fee.

Who can use UniStart?

UniStart is designed for adults living in the UK, typically aged 18–55, who have the right to study and want to explore funded university options with foundation year or standard degrees.

Does UniStart guarantee university admission?

No. UniStart cannot guarantee admission. Your place is decided by the university based on its own academic and eligibility criteria. UniStart helps you understand the requirements, choose suitable courses and prepare for interviews.

Does UniStart guarantee Student Finance funding?

No. UniStart does not control Student Finance decisions and cannot guarantee funding. Tuition fee and maintenance support are normally provided by Student Finance England or the relevant UK funding body, which makes the final decision on eligibility.

What does “100% funded” mean on UniStart?

When UniStart refers to a course as “100% funded”, it usually means that, for eligible students, the full tuition fee can be covered by a UK student loan and that maintenance support may also be available. Exact amounts and eligibility depend on your personal situation and the rules of Student Finance.

Is UniStart affiliated with Student Finance England?

No. UniStart is not part of Student Finance England and does not represent the UK government. UniStart explains how Student Finance works in clear language and helps applicants prepare their own applications to the official funding bodies.

Can UniStart share my details with universities?

With your consent, UniStart may share your information with selected partner universities so that your application can be processed and your place can be confirmed. Your data is handled in line with our Privacy Policy.

How does the UniStart process normally work?

Typically you send your contact details through the UniStart app or website, speak with a Student Advisor about your goals and eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, and then receive support with the university and Student Finance application steps.

How can I contact UniStart if I have questions?

You can contact UniStart through the mobile app, by using the contact form on unistart.app or by emailing support@unistart.app. A Student Advisor will follow up to discuss your situation and next steps.

Are university fees going up in 2025?

Yes, the tuition fee cap increased to £9,535/year for 2025/26. Foundation Year in classroom-based subjects remains capped at £5,760/year.

What grants are available that don't need to be repaid?

Childcare Grant (up to £193.62/week), Parent Learning Allowance (up to £1,821/year), Adult Dependant Grant (up to £3,263/year), and Disabled Students' Allowances are available and don't require repayment.

Can EU students still get Student Finance after Brexit?

EU students with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can still access Student Finance, including tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.

Student Finance England 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for UK & EU Students 📊

Applying to a UK university is one thing. Figuring out how to pay for it is another. For many expats and UK residents, the most intimidating part of the admissions journey is understanding Student Finance England.

The good news? Student Finance exists to make higher education accessible — and in 2025/26, there are clearer funding rules and more support than ever before.

This complete guide will answer the exact questions students are asking in 2025:

✅ When does Student Finance open?
✅ How much can you get in 2025/26?
✅ Will loans and maintenance support increase?
✅ What’s the income threshold for repayments?
✅ Can student loans be forgiven or paused?

👉 Want the step-by-step version in your pocket? Download UniStart App for free.

What is Student Finance England? 🎓

Student Finance England (SFE) is a government-backed system that provides loans and grants so students can afford higher education.

The two main types of funding are:

Tuition Fee Loan – covers your tuition fees (paid directly to your university)
Maintenance Loan – supports living costs like rent, food, and transport

On top of these, there are special grants for parents, carers, and disabled students.

The best part? You don’t pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000 per year, and any remaining debt is automatically written off after 40 years.

Learn more about how UniStart makes UK education accessible to everyone.

Who Can Apply in 2025 (Eligibility) 🌍

You may qualify if you:

✅ Have settled or pre-settled status in the UK
✅ Hold a British passport
✅ Have refugee or humanitarian protection status
✅ Are an EU/EEA resident who has lived in the UK for 3+ years
✅ Are over 18 (no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loan; Maintenance Loan available up to age 60)

💡 Important: Many students wrongly believe they are “too old” or “not eligible.” In reality, UniStart has already guided 123+ students aged 21–48 to funding success.

Confused about eligibility? The UK government’s Student Finance system has detailed eligibility criteria, but UniStart App simplifies this with a quick eligibility checker.

When Does Student Finance Open in 2025? 📅

For September 2025 intake, applications opened in February 2025
For January 2026 intake, applications will open in October 2025
For May 2026 intake, applications will open in February 2026

⚠️ Key Point: Applications can be made up to 9 months after your course starts, but applying early ensures payments arrive on time.

👉 Tip: UniStart App sends push notifications so you don’t miss key dates.

Student Finance Deadlines for 2025/26 ⏰

September 2025 intake → Apply by May 2025 (applications are currently open!)
January 2026 intake → Apply by November 2025
May 2026 intake → Apply by March 2026

Already started your course without applying? Don’t panic! You can still apply up to 9 months after your course begins, though payments will be delayed.

How Much Student Finance Can I Get in 2025/26? 💰

Here’s what’s available:

Tuition Fee Loan:

Standard degree years: up to £9,535/year (paid directly to university)
Foundation Year (classroom-based, e.g. Business, Social Sciences, Humanities): £5,760/year

Maintenance Loan:

Amount depends on household income and where you live/study:

Living at home → up to £8,400/year
Living away, outside London → up to £9,700/year
Living away, in London → up to £13,000/year

Maximum combined support:

Over £22,500/year for London students!

👉 Need exact numbers for your situation? UniStart App includes calculators to estimate your precise entitlement based on your circumstances.

Read about real students who’ve secured this funding with UniStart’s help.

Will Student Loans Increase in 2025? 📈

The government confirmed increases to both Tuition Fee caps and Maintenance Loan rates for 2025/26
Tuition fees rose from £9,250 to £9,535/year
Maintenance Loans increased by approximately 3.1% across all categories
Foundation Years in classroom-based subjects remain discounted at £5,760/year
These increases help students keep pace with inflation and rising living costs

Bottom line: More support is available in 2025/26 than in previous years.

What is the Income Threshold for Student Finance 2025-26? 💼

Repayment Threshold:

You only repay after earning £25,000/year or more
Repayments = 9% of income above the threshold
Example: earning £30,000 = 9% of £5,000 = £450/year (£37.50/month)

Household Income Effects:

Household income affects Maintenance Loan amounts (not Tuition Loan)
Higher household income = lower Maintenance Loan entitlement
Household income above £62,000 means reduced Maintenance Loan

Important: These thresholds are for Plan 5 loans (students starting from September 2023 onwards).

How to Apply – Step by Step 📝

Register online at gov.uk/student-finance
Complete your details: course, university, intake date
Provide proof of identity/residency (passport, BRP, EU Settlement docs)
Add household income info (for Maintenance Loan calculation)
Upload supporting documents (childcare contracts, dependants info, etc.)
Sign and return the declaration form
Wait 6–8 weeks for Student Finance England decision

👉 Feeling overwhelmed? UniStart App breaks this into simple, manageable checklists with document templates.

Discover how UniStart revolutionizes the UK university application process.

Grants & Extra Support Available in 2025 🎁

These do not need to be repaid:

Childcare Grant

Covers up to 85% of childcare costs
Up to £193.62 per week for one child
Up to £331.95 per week for multiple children

Parent Learning Allowance

Up to £1,821 per year for parents in higher education
Reduces based on household income

Adult Dependant Grant

Up to £3,263 per year if another adult depends on your income
Available for financially dependent partners or relatives

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)

Covers disability-related study costs
No repayment required, regardless of income
Includes equipment, support workers, and travel costs

Many students miss out on these grants simply because they don’t know they exist. UniStart App helps you identify every grant you’re eligible for.

Can Student Loans Be Forgiven or Paused in 2025? 🤔

Forgiven:

✅ Loans are automatically written off after 40 years
✅ Total and permanent disability discharge available
✅ Death discharge – loans don’t pass to family

Paused:

❌ No general pause or forgiveness programs in 2025
✅ Automatic pause if your income drops below £25,000
✅ Deferral options for temporary financial hardship

Interest Rates:

Currently linked to inflation (RPI)
Much lower than commercial loans or credit cards
Interest only applies while you’re earning above the threshold

Are Uni Fees Going Up in 2025? 📊

Yes, tuition fees increased for 2025/26:

Standard degrees: £9,250 → £9,535/year (+£285)
Foundation Year (classroom-based): Capped at £5,760/year
Laboratory-based Foundation Years: Follow the standard £9,535 cap

Important: Not all universities charge the maximum. Some providers, especially for Foundation Years, may charge less than the cap.

👉 Always check your specific university’s course page for exact fee information.

Repayments Explained Simply 💡

When do I start paying back?

Only after earning £25,000/year

How much do I pay?

9% of income above £25,000 (automatically deducted from salary)

What if I lose my job?

Repayments automatically stop if income drops below threshold

What about interest?

Currently inflation-linked – much fairer than commercial loans

When does it end?

40 years maximum – any remaining debt is written off

Translation: Student Finance is one of the fairest repayment systems worldwide. You only pay when you can afford it, and you’re protected if circumstances change.

Real Student Success Stories 💫

Maria, 32, Romanian Expat

“I was terrified of the debt, but Radu explained that I wouldn’t pay anything back until earning £25,000. Now I’m in my second year of Business Management with full funding – £18,956 total support.”

Adam, 28, Polish UK Resident

“The Student Finance rules seemed impossible to understand. UniStart made everything clear – I got approved for £19,500 including laptop allowance.”

Sofia, 27, Spanish Expat & Working Mother

“I didn’t know about the Childcare Grant! UniStart showed me I was eligible for £193 per week extra support. This changed everything for my family.”

These represent just 3 of the 123+ success stories from our community.

Frequently Asked Questions 🙋‍♀️

Q: What date does Student Finance come in September 2025?
A: Usually payments are released a few days before your course starts, provided your application was submitted on time.

Q: What is the maximum student loan amount in 2025/26?
A: Tuition (£9,535) + London Maintenance Loan (£13,000) = £22,535+/year.

Q: What about Foundation Year fees?
A: For 2025/26, Foundation Year in classroom-based subjects (Business, Social Sciences, Humanities) is capped at £5,760.

Q: Is the student loan threshold increasing in 2025?
A: The repayment threshold remains £25,000/year for Plan 5 loans.

Q: Can I apply late?
A: Yes, up to 9 months after course start, but payments will be delayed.

Q: Do I need a guarantor or credit check?
A: No – Student Finance doesn’t require guarantors or run credit checks.

Q: What if my household income changes?
A: You can update your application if circumstances change, potentially increasing your Maintenance Loan.

Q: Can international students get Student Finance?
A: EU students with settled/pre-settled status can apply. Other international students typically aren’t eligible for Student Finance but may qualify for university scholarships.

Ready to Apply? Your Future Starts Here 🚀

Your university dreams shouldn’t be blocked by confusing finance forms or fear of debt.

🎯 Take Action Today:

Download UniStart App (free on iOS & Android)
Check your eligibility with our instant calculator
Get personalized guidance from advisors who’ve helped 123+ students
Apply with confidence using our step-by-step checklists
Secure your funding and start your university journey

The students who applied 6 months ago are now settled into their courses, accessing thousands in Student Finance, and building the futures they dreamed of.

Don’t let another application deadline pass you by.

👉 Download UniStart Now – Your Education, Your Future

Questions about Student Finance or need personalized guidance?

📱 Get the app: App Store | Google Play

💬 Contact us: support@unistart.app or get in touch with our team

🔗 Learn more: About UniStart | Success Stories | Founder Story