Student Finance for adults with settled or pre-settled status (2026/27)
What you can get, who qualifies and how repayment works, in plain English. Figures from gov.uk, updated October 2026.
If you have settled status (or indefinite leave to remain) and have lived in the UK for 3 years before your course starts, you can usually get a Tuition Fee Loan that pays your fees directly to the university, plus a Maintenance Loan of up to £14,135 a year in London for living costs. With pre-settled status you can usually get the Tuition Fee Loan, and the Maintenance Loan if you qualify as an EU worker. You repay 9% of your income above £25,000 a year.
Who qualifies
- Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, indefinite leave to remain, or British or Irish citizenship: tuition fee support and a Maintenance Loan.
- Pre-settled status: tuition fee support after 3 years living in the UK, the EEA or Switzerland. A Maintenance Loan generally needs the EU worker (or worker's family member) route.
- At least 3 years of residence before the first day of the course.
- Usually no previous university degree. From 1 January 2027 some second degrees can be funded under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
- A course with regular campus days: Maintenance Loans are not available for fully online study.
How much you can get in 2026/27
| Tuition Fee Loan | Up to £9,790 a year, paid directly to the university |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Loan, London | Up to £14,135 a year, living away from parents |
| Maintenance Loan, outside London | Up to £10,830 a year |
| Maintenance Loan, living with parents | Up to £9,118 a year |
| Childcare Grant (not repaid) | Up to 85% of childcare costs: up to £199.62 a week for one child, £342.24 for two or more |
| Parents' Learning Allowance (not repaid) | Up to £2,024 a year |
Maintenance Loan, Childcare Grant and Parents' Learning Allowance depend on your household income. The Maintenance Loan depends on your status too, see above.
How repayment works
You start repaying the April after you finish (or leave) your course, and only when you earn over £25,000 a year. You pay 9% of what you earn above that, taken automatically from your payslip. If your income falls below the threshold, repayments stop. Anything left after 40 years is written off.
a month, taken from your payslip
What changes from January 2027
Courses starting from 1 January 2027 are funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). It gives a lifetime limit of £39,160 for tuition, can fund a second degree in some cases, and keeps the same repayment rules: 9% of income above £25,000.
Common questions
Can I get Student Finance with pre-settled status?
It depends on your situation. With settled status (or indefinite leave to remain) you can usually get a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan once you have lived in the UK for 3 years before the course starts. With pre-settled status, Student Finance England usually pays the Tuition Fee Loan after 3 years of residence in the UK, the EEA or Switzerland, but a Maintenance Loan (for living costs) generally needs you to qualify as an EU, EEA or Swiss worker, or as a family member of one. Many of our students work, so we check this with you before you apply.
Student Finance England makes the final decision.
How long do I need to live in the UK to get Student Finance?
Usually at least 3 years before the first day of your course. If you have lived in the UK for less than 3 years, tell us when you arrived and we'll tell you when you could start.
How much is the Maintenance Loan in London in 2026/27?
Up to £14,135 a year if you study in London and live away from your parents. Outside London it is up to £10,830, and up to £9,118 if you live with your parents. The amount you get depends on your household income, and with pre-settled status you usually need to qualify as an EU worker to get it. It is paid into your bank account in instalments.
When do I start repaying my student loan, and how much?
You only repay when you earn over £25,000 a year. You pay 9% of what you earn above that, taken automatically from your payslip. If your income drops below the threshold, repayments stop. Anything left after 40 years is written off. For example, on a £30,000 salary you repay £37.50 a month.
I already have a degree from my home country. Can I still get funding?
It depends. Under the current rules, Student Finance usually does not fund a second degree at the same or a lower level, and that includes degrees from abroad. For courses starting from 1 January 2027, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement may let you get funding even if you have studied before, with a lifetime limit of £39,160 for tuition. Message us and we'll check your case.
Is there an age limit for Student Finance?
There is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan. Many of our students start in their 30s and 40s. The Maintenance Loan is lower if you are 60 or over.
Can I study online and still get the Maintenance Loan?
No. The Maintenance Loan is not available for courses taught fully online (except for some students with a disability). That's why the courses we recommend include regular days on campus.
What support is there for students with children?
On top of your loans, parents can get two grants that you don't pay back. The Childcare Grant covers up to 85% of childcare costs, up to £199.62 a week for one child or £342.24 for two or more. The Parents' Learning Allowance gives up to £2,024 a year. Both depend on household income.
Is Student Finance a grant or a loan?
The Tuition Fee Loan and the Maintenance Loan are loans. You repay them only when you earn over the threshold, and the rest is written off after 40 years. The Childcare Grant and the Parents' Learning Allowance are grants, so you don't repay them.
Source: gov.uk/student-finance. Student Finance England decides every application. Updated October 2026.