Student Finance Application UK 2026
Applying for student finance is entirely online. Getting it right ensures your tuition fee loan goes to your university and your maintenance loan arrives on your first day.
When to Apply
Applications open in February each year. The deadline to guarantee full payment at the start of term is typically late May. Apply as early as possible.
What You Will Need
- UK passport or birth certificate
- National Insurance number
- Chosen university and course details
- Parents or partner income details for means-tested maintenance loan
Step by Step
- Create a Student Finance account at studentfinance.gov.uk
- Complete your personal details, course information and chosen loans
- Add household income — a parent or partner completes a separate online form
- Submit and wait four to six weeks for your Entitlement letter
- Confirm enrolment at university to trigger payment
2026/27 Maintenance Loan Amounts
| Living Situation | Maximum Loan |
|---|---|
| Living at home | £8,877 |
| Living away, outside London | £10,227 |
| Living away, in London | £13,348 |
Actual amounts reduce on a sliding scale above £25,000 household income.
Always use the official studentfinance.gov.uk website. Never use third-party application services.