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Tuition fees 

  • Most universities in England can charge up to £9,535 per year for a standard full-time undergraduate degree.

  • Part-time fees are lower and linked to the number of credits you study.

  • Foundation years:

    • If your course is mainly classroom-based (like business or humanities), the cap is usually lower (around £5,760 at many universities).

    • If your course is science, engineering, or creative-arts based, the cap is normally the same as a standard year (£9,535).

  • Postgraduate fees vary by university, but there are government loans to help (see below).

 International students pay much higher fees (often £15,000–£30,000+ per year), so having home status saves a huge amount.

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Who Counts as a Home Student?

You are usually classed as a home student if:

  • You hold a British passport, or have settled / pre-settled status.

  • You’ve lived in the UK (or Islands) for at least 3 years before your course starts.

  • You are studying a recognised course at an approved university or college.

This is important because home students pay much lower fees and can access Student Finance loans.

Key Takeaways for Home Students

  • Tuition fees capped at £9,535 (much lower than international fees).

  • Maintenance loans available – up to £14,197 if you study in London.

  • Repayments are income-based – you only pay if you earn above £25,000.

  • Loans are written off after a set period (30–40 years depending on type).

  • Extra support available for students with children, disabilities, or caring responsibilities.

2

Tuition Fee Loan

  • Covers the full cost of your tuition fees (up to £9,535 in 2025–26).

  • Paid directly to your university.

  • You don’t need to pay anything upfront.

Maintenance Loan

Helps with rent, food, travel, and books. The amount depends on your household income, where you study, and whether you live at home.

Maximum amounts for 2025–26:

  • Living at home: £8,877

  • Living away from home (outside London): £10,544

  • Living away from home (in London): £14,197

  • Studying abroad for a year: £12,076

Some students (e.g. single parents or those with disabilities) can get higher amounts.

Postgraduate Loans

  • Master’s Loan: up to £12,858 (for courses starting after 1 August 2025).

  • Doctoral Loan: up to £30,301.

  • Paid directly to you in instalments.

Extra Support

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:

  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – extra help with study-related costs.

  • Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance – if you have children.

  • Adult Dependants’ Grant – if another adult relies on you financially.

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How Repayments Work

  • You only repay after you finish studying and start earning over a set amount.

  • Plan 5 loans (for undergraduates starting 2023 onwards):

    • Repay 9% of earnings above £25,000.

    • Example: if you earn £30,000, you repay 9% of £5,000 = £450 a year (~£37 a month).

    • Any remaining balance is wiped after 40 years.

  • Postgraduate loans:

    • Repay 6% of earnings above £21,000.

    • Example: if you earn £30,000, you repay 6% of £9,000 = £540 a year (~£45 a month).

    • Balance is written off after 30 years.

  • Interest: added each year, linked to inflation (Retail Price Index – RPI).

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