Weekend Courses and Student Finance (2025/26): Why You Might Not Get a Maintenance Loan

If you’re a working adult in England looking at “weekend-only” university courses (Saturday/Sunday delivery), there’s one funding detail you must check before you enrol: Student Finance England may treat weekend-only attendance as distance learning for maintenance support.

In practice, that means many weekend-only degrees can still be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan, but not a Maintenance Loan (living costs) - and, for some students, that is the difference between being able to study or not.

This guide explains the rule in plain English, what funding you can still get, how to confirm a course’s classification before you commit, and which flexible alternatives usually keep maintenance support.

TL;DR: Key Points

• Weekend-only (Sat/Sun-only) delivery is often treated as distance learning for Student Finance England maintenance support
• You may still be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan, but you may not be eligible for a Maintenance Loan (living costs)
• The key question is how Student Finance classifies the course (in attendance vs distance learning) - not how the marketing describes it
• If your course requires any weekday attendance (even limited), it is more likely to be treated as in attendance for maintenance support
• If you rely on maintenance support (rent, bills, childcare), verify eligibility in writing before enrolling
• UniStart helps you find flexible options that keep funding eligibility - and we’ll help you verify the attendance pattern before you commit

Important: This guide is about Student Finance England

Funding rules differ across the UK. This article focuses on Student Finance England (students ordinarily resident in England). If you’re funded by Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the rules and terminology can differ - check your nation’s funding body before making decisions.

What Are Weekend-Only Courses?

Weekend-only courses are degree programmes designed for working adults who cannot attend university during the week. They typically involve:

• Classes held exclusively on Saturdays and/or Sundays
• Compressed delivery (longer sessions over fewer days)
• Often marketed to career changers, mature students, or professionals seeking qualifications while working full-time
• Popular in fields like Business Management, Health & Social Care, Education, and MBA programmes

Why They Appeal to Working Adults

The promise is clear: you can keep your Monday-Friday job, earn an income, and study toward a degree on weekends.

Many universities and partner colleges market these programmes as “flexible,” “work-friendly,” or “designed for busy professionals.”

But here’s the problem: While the course structure may be flexible, the Student Finance rules are not.

The Official Rule: Why Weekend-Only Courses Often Don’t Qualify for Maintenance Loans

The Legal Basis

Maintenance support in England depends on whether a course is treated as “in attendance” or “distance learning” for Student Finance purposes. The distinction comes from the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 (as amended) and the operational guidance used to manage course classifications.

The practical issue with weekend-only delivery is that some guidance treats courses where attendance is limited solely to weekends as distance learning when deciding maintenance eligibility. That’s why two courses that look similar on paper can produce different funding outcomes.

What the Department for Education Says

Recent sector guidance and official communications have reinforced the point that maintenance eligibility depends on how the course is classified. In a letter to higher education providers about franchised provision and attendance expectations, the Education Secretary highlighted that students whose attendance is limited solely to weekends will not meet the criteria for maintenance support.

This matters because some weekend-only delivery has appeared in franchised arrangements, where marketing can emphasise flexibility but the funding classification can still restrict maintenance support.

What This Means in Practice

If your course requires attendance exclusively on weekends:

• ✓ You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan (up to £9,535/year for 2025/26)
• ✗ You cannot apply for a Maintenance Loan (worth up to £10,544/year for full-time students outside London)
• ✗ You cannot access Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, or Adult Dependants’ Grant (because these require full-time student status, which weekend-only courses don’t provide)

If your course includes at least some weekday attendance:

• ✓ You can apply for both Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan
• ✓ You can access extra grants if eligible (Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, etc.)

How Much Funding Do You Lose with Weekend-Only Courses?

Let’s break down the financial impact.

Scenario 1: Weekend-Only Course (Often Tuition Loan Only)

Scenario 2: Part-Time Course with Weekday Attendance

The difference can be huge, especially for student parents who may be eligible for additional support. Always confirm what you’re eligible for based on your course classification and personal circumstances.

Even without dependants, losing access to a Maintenance Loan can remove up to £10,544 per year of living cost support (2025/26 maximum for students living away from home outside London).

Why Are Universities Still Advertising Weekend-Only Courses?

Franchising and Private Provider Partnerships

Many weekend-only courses are delivered through franchising arrangements, where a registered university partners with a private college to deliver its degree programmes.

These partnerships allow:

• Smaller providers to offer university degrees
• Universities to expand their reach and enrolment
• Students to study closer to home or in non-traditional settings

But marketing issues have emerged:

Many franchised courses were advertised as “flexible weekend study” without clearly stating that students would not qualify for maintenance loans.

Students enrolled expecting full Student Finance, only to discover later that they’d receive tuition support only.

Potential Breaches and Compensation Claims

According to legal experts cited by WonkHE, if universities or partner colleges:

• Marketed courses as “weekend-only” without disclosing funding limitations
• Attempt to change attendance requirements mid-course (e.g., suddenly requiring weekday attendance)

…they may face contractual breaches and compensation claims from affected students.

Students who enrolled under the promise of weekend-only study have a reasonable expectation that the course will continue in that format. Changing it retroactively to secure Student Finance eligibility could constitute a breach of contract.

What Should Providers Do?

The Student Loans Company and Department for Education have made it clear:

• Weekend-only courses must be marketed accurately
• Students must be informed they will not qualify for maintenance loans
• Universities should review all franchised provision to ensure compliance

For students, the lesson is: Always verify Student Finance eligibility before enrolling.

What Are Your Alternatives? Flexible Study Options That DO Qualify

The good news: you don’t have to choose between working full-time and accessing full Student Finance support. There are genuinely flexible study modes that maintain funding eligibility.

Option 1: Part-Time Study with Mixed Attendance

How it works:

• Study at reduced intensity (e.g., 50% or 75% of full-time)
• Attend some classes on weekdays (even just 1-2 days per week)
• Complete remaining study independently

Student Finance eligibility:

• Tuition Fee Loan (usually available for eligible part-time intensity)
• Maintenance support may be available for eligible part-time study (amount depends on intensity and classification)
• Additional grants depend on your status and eligibility - check your entitlement before relying on them

Example: Study at 50% intensity (4 modules instead of 8 per year) with one weekday and one weekend session per week.

You receive:

• 50% of full Tuition Fee Loan
• 50% of full Maintenance Loan

Learn more in our Mature Students Guide to UK University.

Option 2: Blended Learning (Online + Campus)

How it works:

• Majority of study delivered online
• Occasional weekday campus sessions (workshops, labs, seminars)
• Flexibility to work around commitments

Student Finance eligibility:

• ✓ Full Tuition Fee Loan
• ✓ Full Maintenance Loan (if classified as full-time with weekday attendance)

Why it works: As long as the course requires some in-person weekday attendance, it qualifies for maintenance support - even if most teaching is online.

Option 3: Evening and Weekend Study (With Weekday Component)

How it works:

• Classes scheduled primarily in evenings (Monday-Friday after 6pm)
• Some weekend sessions
• At least one weekday daytime component (even a monthly seminar)

Student Finance eligibility:

• ✓ Full or pro-rata support depending on intensity

Example: Business Management degree with Tuesday and Thursday evening lectures, plus one Saturday workshop per month, plus one weekday tutorial per semester.

Because weekday attendance is required (even minimally), you maintain maintenance loan eligibility.

Option 4: Accelerated Degrees (Full-Time, Weekday Focus)

How it works:

• Complete a 3-year degree in 2 years
• Intensive full-time study during the week
• No long summer breaks

Student Finance eligibility:

• ✓ Full Tuition Fee Loan
• ✓ Full Maintenance Loan

Best for: Adults who can afford to reduce work hours significantly but want to graduate faster.

How to Check if a Course Qualifies for Maintenance Loan Support

If a course is marketed as “weekend-only”, treat funding eligibility as unconfirmed until you verify the attendance pattern and classification in writing.

Before enrolling in any university course, follow these steps to confirm Student Finance eligibility:

Step 1: Ask the University Directly

Contact the admissions team and ask:

“Does this course require in-person attendance on weekdays, or is it weekend-only? Will I be eligible for a maintenance loan?”

Get the answer in writing (email confirmation).

What to request in writing

Ask for a short email confirming:

• The exact attendance days (weekday vs weekend)
• Whether the provider classifies the course as in attendance or distance learning for Student Finance purposes
• Whether the classification affects Maintenance Loan eligibility

Step 2: Check the Student Loans Company Course Database

Visit the Student Finance England course search tool and look up the specific course.

Check:

• Study mode (full-time, part-time, distance learning)
• Attendance pattern
• Funding eligibility

Step 3: Review Course Marketing Materials Carefully

Look for phrases like:

• “Weekend-only delivery”
• “Saturday and Sunday classes”
• “Designed for working professionals”

If a course is marketed as weekend-only, assume maintenance support is unlikely unless explicitly confirmed.

Step 4: Speak to Current Students

If possible, contact students already enrolled and ask:

• What days do you attend?
• Did you receive a maintenance loan?
• Were you told about any attendance requirements after enrolling?

Step 5: Use UniStart to Find Pre-Verified Courses

UniStart lists only courses that are:

• Registered with the Office for Students
• Eligible for full Student Finance (tuition + maintenance)
• Clearly labeled by study mode and attendance pattern

If you’re a working adult looking for flexible study, we filter courses to show only those that maintain full funding eligibility while offering genuine flexibility.

Explore flexible degree courses on UniStart

Common Scenarios (and what usually happens)

“My course is on campus every weekend - does that count as attendance?”

It can still be treated as distance learning for maintenance purposes if attendance is limited solely to weekends. The classification is what matters.

”I have one weekday session per month - does that change eligibility?”

Sometimes. Even limited weekday requirements can change classification, but it must be a required part of the course.

”I’m an EU citizen / settled or pre-settled - does that change this rule?”

Your residency status affects overall eligibility, but the weekend-only issue relates to course classification for maintenance support.

What If You’re Already Enrolled in a Weekend-Only Course?

If you discovered after enrolling that your course doesn’t qualify for maintenance loans, you have options.

Option 1: Request a Course Transfer

Contact your university and ask if you can transfer to:

• A part-time version of the same course with weekday attendance
• A blended delivery mode with some weekday sessions

Many universities will accommodate this, especially if Student Finance eligibility was unclear at enrolment.

Option 2: Request Compensation (If Misled)

If the course was marketed as fully eligible for Student Finance and you were not informed about maintenance loan exclusions, you may have grounds for:

• Course fee refund
• Compensation for financial hardship
• Transfer without penalty

Speak to:

• Your university’s Student Union advice service
• Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) if your university doesn’t resolve the issue

Option 3: Seek Alternative Funding

If transferring isn’t possible, explore:

• Advanced Learner Loan (for certain Level 4-6 courses)
• Employer sponsorship (some companies fund employee degrees)
• Postgraduate Loan (if you’re doing a Master’s)
• Part-time work to cover living costs while studying

Why This Rule Exists: The Student Finance Perspective

You might wonder: Why does it matter whether I attend on weekdays or weekends if I’m still going to campus and learning?

The Student Loans Company and Department for Education designed the maintenance loan to support students whose study commitments prevent full-time work.

The Logic

• Full-time weekday study → You cannot work a standard Monday-Friday job → You need maintenance support
• Weekend-only study → You can work full-time during the week → Maintenance support is not necessary

From this perspective, weekend-only students are treated similarly to distance learners who study entirely from home around work.

The Controversy

Many argue this logic is outdated because:

• Weekend students still face financial pressure (childcare, travel, course materials)
• Working full-time while studying weekends is extremely demanding
• Many weekend students are mature learners juggling work, family, and study
• The rule penalises flexibility and non-traditional learning pathways

Student advocates have called for reform, but as of 2025, the rule remains in place.

Key Resources and Official Guidance

If you want to verify information or understand the regulations in detail, consult these official sources:

Official UK Government Guidance

• Student finance for undergraduates (GOV.UK)
• Part-time student finance (GOV.UK)
• Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011
• Student Loans Company: Attendance Management Guidance (2024 Update)

University and Provider Information

• Office for Students (OfS): Register of Higher Education Providers
• UCAS: Course Search and Filters

Student Rights and Complaints

• Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA): Student Complaints
• National Union of Students (NUS): Student Finance Advice

Further Reading on This Topic

• WonkHE analysis: Weekend courses can’t get student loans

How UniStart Helps Working Adults Find the Right Flexible Course

At UniStart, we understand that working adults need: Inside the UniStart mobile app, users can also access discounts with major retailers, so you can reduce everyday costs while you study - check the app to see what’s available.

• Clear information about Student Finance eligibility before enrolling
• Genuinely flexible study options that don’t sacrifice funding
• Support navigating complex regulations and course structures

That’s why we:

Pre-Verify Every Course

We only list courses that are:

• Registered with the Office for Students
• Eligible for full Student Finance (tuition + maintenance where applicable)
• Clearly labeled by study mode, intensity, and attendance pattern

Filter by Real Flexibility

Our course search lets you filter by:

• Part-time study
• Evening classes
• Blended delivery
• Campus location

We do NOT list weekend-only courses unless they explicitly state weekday attendance requirements and maintenance loan eligibility.

Provide Clear Funding Guidance

Every course listing shows:

• Tuition Fee Loan eligibility
• Maintenance Loan eligibility
• Study intensity and attendance pattern

Offer Free Advisor Support

If you’re unsure whether a course qualifies for funding, our advisors can:

• Check course details directly with the university
• Clarify Student Finance rules for your specific situation
• Suggest alternative courses that better match your needs

Download the UniStart App and speak to an advisor today.

Final Thoughts: Choose Flexibility That Doesn’t Cost You Funding

Weekend-only university courses may seem like the perfect solution for working adults, but the Student Finance rules are clear: if you attend exclusively on weekends, you are unlikely to qualify for maintenance loan support.

This doesn’t mean flexible study is out of reach. It means you need to:

• Verify funding eligibility before enrolling
• Choose courses with at least some weekday attendance
• Understand the difference between marketing claims and Student Finance reality

The right flexible course can give you:

• Evening and weekend study options
• Full Student Finance support (tuition + maintenance)
• Access to grants for childcare and dependants
• A genuine pathway to career change or progression

The wrong course can leave you:

• Without living cost support
• Struggling to afford rent, bills, and study materials
• Forced to work excessive hours while studying
• Regretting enrolment

If you’re a working adult considering university, get clarity on funding first.

UniStart is here to help you find courses that fit your life and qualify for full Student Finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get any Student Finance for weekend-only courses?

Yes - usually a Tuition Fee Loan. Maintenance support and related grants depend on the course classification and your eligibility.

Q: What if the university adds one weekday session after I enrol?

If your course was marketed as weekend-only and the university changes the attendance requirements mid-course, you may have grounds for a complaint or compensation claim. Contact your Student Union for advice.

Q: Are evening courses (Monday-Friday after 6pm) eligible for maintenance loans?

Yes, as long as they require weekday attendance. Evening courses with weekday sessions qualify for maintenance loans.

Q: What about online courses with no campus attendance?

Online distance learning courses are treated similarly to weekend-only courses - you can get a Tuition Fee Loan, but not a Maintenance Loan (unless they include mandatory weekday in-person sessions).

Q: Can part-time students get maintenance loans?

Yes. Part-time students studying at 25% intensity or more can access pro-rata Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans - as long as the course requires some weekday attendance.

Learn more: Mature Students Guide to UK University

Q: How do I prove a course has weekday attendance?

Ask the university for written confirmation of the course timetable and attendance requirements. You can also check the Student Loans Company course database.

Related UniStart Guides

• Mature Students Guide to UK University 2025
• How Student Finance Works in the UK (2025 Guide)
• Maintenance Loan 2025 Explained
• Student Finance England 2025: Complete Application Guide
• Who Is Eligible for a UK University Loan in 2025?
• Childcare Grant UK: How Student Parents Get Extra £3,200+
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss

Need help finding a genuinely flexible course that qualifies for full Student Finance?

Explore pre-verified courses on UniStart

Download the UniStart App and speak to a free advisor

“Understanding Student Finance eligibility before you enrol can save you thousands of pounds and years of financial stress. At UniStart, we make sure working adults know exactly what they’re eligible for - before they commit to a course.”

• Radu Danila, UniStart Founder