Student Finance 2026/27: Projected Rates

Starting university in September 2026? Here's what we expect for maintenance loans and tuition fees based on confirmed government policy. Official figures due January/February 2026.

Current student? View the confirmed 2025/26 rates instead

⚠️

Projections Based on Confirmed Policy

The UK Government has confirmed that student finance rates will rise in line with inflation for 2026/27. These projections use the latest inflation forecasts (~2.8-3.1%). Official statutory tables are expected in January/February 2026.

Last updated: 30 December 2025

Max Loan (London)

~£14,175

Up from £13,762

Max Loan (Elsewhere)

~£10,860

Up from £10,544

Tuition Fee Cap

~£9,800

Up from £9,535

Inflation Forecast

~3%

RPI/CPI linked

Projected Maintenance Loan Rates 2026/27

The government has confirmed that maintenance loans will continue to rise with inflation. Based on current RPI/CPI forecasts of approximately 2.8-3.1%, here are the projected maximum rates for 2026/27:

Living Situation	2025/26 (Current)	2026/27 (Projected)	Increase
Living with parents	£8,877	~£9,143	+£266
Living away (outside London)	£10,544	~£10,860	+£316
Living away (in London)	£13,762	~£14,175	+£413

Projections based on ~3% inflation uplift. Actual figures will be confirmed by the Department for Education in early 2026.

Tuition Fees 2026/27

Tuition fees have been unfrozen after 8 years and will now rise with inflation annually. For 2025/26, the cap increased to £9,535. For 2026/27, we expect:

Standard Undergraduate

~£9,800

Up from £9,535 (2025/26)

Accelerated Degree

~£11,760

Up from £11,440 (2025/26)

ℹ️Remember

Tuition fees are paid directly to your university via the Tuition Fee Loan — you never see this money in your bank account. You only repay it after graduation when earning above the threshold.

Plan 5 Repayment Thresholds 2026/27

If you're starting university in September 2026, you'll be on Plan 5. The repayment threshold is expected to remain frozen at £25,000 until April 2029.

Plan 5 Key Features

Repayment Threshold

£25,000/year

Repayment Rate

9% of earnings above threshold

Interest Rate

RPI only (no margin)

Write-off Period

40 years

Plan 5 was introduced for students starting from August 2023 onwards. It has a lower threshold but simpler interest (RPI only) compared to Plan 2.

Which Tax Year Is Assessed for 2026/27?

For the 2026/27 academic year, Student Finance England will assess your household income from:

Tax Year Used

2024/25

(6 April 2024 – 5 April 2025)

Parents/partners will need their P60 from April 2025 or their Self Assessment for the 2024/25 tax year.

⚠️Income Changed Since Then?

If your household income has dropped significantly since the 2024/25 tax year (e.g., due to redundancy, retirement, or reduced hours), you can apply for a Current Year Income Assessment after submitting your main application. Student Finance will then use your current year's expected income instead.

When Can You Apply for 2026/27?

Applications for the 2026/27 academic year typically open in:

📅

March 2026

Expected application window opening

You don't need a confirmed university place to apply
Apply with your preferred choice and update later if needed
The deadline for new students is typically mid-May (for September starts)
Late applications are accepted but may delay your first payment

Estimated Total Borrowing for a 3-Year Degree

Here's what a typical 3-year undergraduate degree in England might cost from September 2026, assuming you receive the maximum loans:

Component	Per Year (Est.)	3-Year Total
Tuition Fee Loan	~£9,800	~£29,400
Maintenance Loan (outside London, max)	~£10,860	~£32,580
Total Borrowed	~£20,660	~£61,980

✅Don't Panic About the Total

While £62,000 sounds like a lot, remember: you only repay 9% of earnings above £25,000, and the balance is written off after 40 years. Most graduates will never repay the full amount. Use our repayment calculator to see your actual projected lifetime repayments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the official 2026/27 rates be announced?

Official rates are typically published in January or February of the year applications open. For the 2026/27 academic year, expect official figures by February 2026 at the latest, with applications opening in March 2026.

Will tuition fees keep rising every year?

Yes, the government has confirmed tuition fees will rise annually in line with inflation (CPI/RPI) going forward. After being frozen at £9,250 for 8 years, they increased to £9,535 for 2025/26 and are expected to continue rising.

What's the difference between Plan 2 and Plan 5?

Plan 5 applies to students starting from August 2023 onwards. Key differences: Plan 5 has a lower threshold (£25,000 vs £28,470), simpler interest (RPI only, vs RPI+3%), but a longer write-off period (40 years vs 30 years). See our Plan 5 guide for details.

Do I need my UCAS offer to apply for student finance?

No! You can apply for student finance before receiving any university offers. Simply select your preferred university and course, then update your application later if your plans change. Applying early helps ensure your loan is ready for freshers' week.

What documents do my parents need?

Your parents (or partner) will need proof of income from the 2024/25 tax year. This is typically their P60 (issued by employers in April 2025) or their Self Assessment tax return if self-employed. They may also need National Insurance numbers.

Is it worth going to university with rising costs?

This is a personal decision, but remember: student loans in England work more like a graduate tax than traditional debt. You only repay when earning above the threshold, repayments are affordable (9% of earnings above £25,000), and the balance is written off after 40 years. Most graduates will never repay the full amount.