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England (SFE)

Student Finance England (SFE) administers loans for students normally living in England. The system has undergone significant changes recently, most notably with the introduction of Plan 5 for new students.

Which Plan are you on?

The repayment plan you are on depends primarily on when you started your course.

Plan 5

For students starting courses on or after 1 August 2023.

  • Repayment threshold: £25,000
  • Write-off period: 40 years
  • Interest: RPI only (no real interest)

Plan 2

For students starting between 1 Sept 2012 and 31 July 2023.

  • Repayment threshold: £27,295
  • Write-off period: 30 years
  • Interest: RPI + up to 3%

Tuition Fees (2025/26 Update)

For the 2025/26 academic year, the maximum tuition fee for full-time undergraduate courses has increased to £9,535 (up from £9,250).

This is the first increase in several years. If you are studying at a private university, the fee loan cap is lower (typically £6,165), and you may have to pay the difference yourself.

Maintenance Loans

Maintenance loans are means-tested based on your household income. This money is paid directly to you to help with living costs.

Maximum amounts for 2025/26:

  • Living at home: Up to £8,877
  • Living away from home (outside London): Up to £10,544
  • Living away from home (in London): Up to £13,762

If your household income is high, you will receive less than the maximum, and your parents are expected to contribute the difference.

✅Not sure about your plan?

Use our Plan Finder tool to confirm which plan you are on, or check your correspondence from Student Finance England.