Maintenance Loan 2025-26: New Rates and What You’ll Get

TL;DR

Student Finance England has confirmed the maintenance loan rates for the 2025-26 academic year. If you’re living away from home in London, you can borrow up to £13,762. Outside London, that’s up to £10,544. Living with your parents? You’re looking at up to £8,877.

These amounts are means-tested based on household income, so your actual loan depends on what your family earns. But here’s the good news: even if your household income is high, you’re still guaranteed a minimum amount.

What’s Changed for 2025-26?

The maintenance loan has seen modest increases compared to previous years. Here’s what Student Finance England has confirmed for the 2025-26 academic year:

Full-Time Students

Source: GOV.UK Student Finance guidance, January 2026

The London weighting remains significant - nearly £3,200 more than the non-London rate. If you’re studying at a London university, this extra funding recognises the higher cost of rent and living expenses in the capital.

Tuition Fee Loan

While we’re on the subject, tuition fees have also been adjusted:

Source: GOV.UK Student Finance guidance

How Household Income Affects Your Loan

Here’s something many students don’t realise: the maintenance loan is means-tested. The maximum amounts above aren’t guaranteed - they depend on your household income.

What Counts as Household Income?

If you’re under 25 and haven’t supported yourself financially for at least three years, Student Finance will assess your parents’ income. If you’re married, in a civil partnership, or have been supporting yourself, they’ll assess your income (and your partner’s, if applicable).

The Income Thresholds

The exact thresholds change annually, but here’s the general picture:

• Household income under £25,000: You’ll likely get the maximum maintenance loan
• Household income £25,000-£45,000: You’ll get a partial loan, somewhere between minimum and maximum
• Household income over £62,000+: You’ll get the minimum guaranteed loan

Even with high household income, you’re guaranteed a minimum loan - roughly 56% of the maximum for students living away from home.

Real Example

Let’s say you’re studying in Manchester, living away from your parents:

• Maximum loan available: £10,544
• Your household income: £50,000
• Your likely loan: Approximately £7,500-£8,000

Use the official student finance calculator on GOV.UK to get your personalised estimate.

Who Qualifies for the Maintenance Loan?

Not everyone can access a maintenance loan. Here’s what you need:

Residency Requirements

You can apply for both tuition fee and maintenance loans if:

1. You’re a UK national, Irish citizen, or have settled status
2. Your home is in England
3. You’ve been living in the UK continuously for 3 years before your course starts (temporary absences like holidays don’t count against you)

If you have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may only qualify for tuition fee support initially. Once you gain settled status, you can apply for the full package including maintenance support.

Check out our funding guide for more details on eligibility.

Course Requirements

Your course must be:

• At a recognised UK university or college
• A first undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification like HND, foundation degree, or HNC)
• At least 25% course intensity for part-time students

If you’ve studied before, your funding situation gets more complex. You might still qualify for partial support - it depends on how much of your previous course you completed.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Create Your Account

Head to the Student Finance England website and create an account. You’ll need your National Insurance number and passport or birth certificate details.

2. Gather Your Documents

Before you start, collect:

• Proof of identity (passport, driving licence, or birth certificate)
• Your household income details (P60, tax returns, or benefit statements)
• Your university and course details (UCAS course code)

3. Complete the Application

The online application takes about 30-40 minutes. Be honest about your household income - Student Finance cross-checks with HMRC, and incorrect information can delay your funding.

4. Submit Household Income Evidence

If your parents (or partner) need to confirm their income, they’ll receive a separate email with instructions. This is often where applications get stuck - chase them up!

5. Wait for Your Entitlement Letter

Once processed, you’ll receive a letter confirming exactly how much you’ll get. This usually takes 4-6 weeks, but apply early to avoid stress.

Pro Tip: Apply as soon as applications open (usually February/March for September starts). UniStart advisors see students who apply late scrambling for funding in October - don’t be one of them.

Common Myths About Maintenance Loans

Myth #1: “My parents earn too much, so I won’t get anything” ➜ Even with high household income, you’re guaranteed a minimum loan. Everyone who qualifies gets something.

Myth #2: “I have to pay it back immediately after graduating” ➜ Repayments only start when you earn over £25,000 per year (Plan 5 loans for courses starting 2023 onwards). Below that threshold? You pay nothing.

Myth #3: “Taking out a student loan will destroy my credit score” ➜ Student loans don’t appear on your credit file the same way personal loans do. They won’t stop you getting a mortgage or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do maintenance loan payments arrive?

Payments are made directly to your bank account in three instalments - one at the start of each term. The first payment is usually the largest to help cover deposits and setup costs.

Can I get extra funding on top of the maintenance loan?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for:

• Disabled Students’ Allowance if you have a disability or learning difficulty
• Parents’ Learning Allowance if you have children
• Childcare Grant for registered childcare costs
• Adult Dependants’ Grant if you support an adult who depends on you financially

Explore all your options on our funding page.

What if my household income changes during my course?

Report any significant changes (like a parent losing their job) through your Student Finance account. You may be reassessed and receive additional support.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes, but it’s quicker from year two onwards. You’ll need to confirm your details and update any changes to your circumstances.

What’s the difference between maintenance loan and maintenance grant?

The maintenance grant was scrapped for new students in England in 2016. Now, all maintenance support comes as a loan that needs to be repaid (once you’re earning enough). However, some universities offer their own bursaries and grants.

What This Means for Your Budget

Let’s be realistic: even the maximum maintenance loan often doesn’t cover actual living costs, especially in expensive cities.

If you’re studying in London on £13,762 per year, that’s roughly £1,150 per month before rent. With average London student rent hitting £900+ per month, you’ll likely need:

• Part-time work (most students work 10-15 hours weekly)
• University bursaries (check what your uni offers)
• Scholarships (search early, apply to many)
• Family support (if available)

Plan your budget before you start. Knowing the gap between your loan and your expenses helps you prepare rather than panic.

Ready to Apply?

Understanding your maintenance loan is just the first step. At UniStart, we help EU citizens and UK residents navigate the entire student finance process - from checking your eligibility to ensuring you’ve claimed everything you’re entitled to.

👉 Download the UniStart app to check your eligibility and get personalised guidance.

👉 Request a callback to speak with an advisor who can answer your specific questions.

“Student finance shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. If you’re eligible, you deserve that funding - and we’re here to make sure you get it.”

• Radu Danila, Founder of UniStart