Tuition Fee Loans will cover the costs of your tuition at University. Once sorted, it’s something you won’t really have to think about again. But how does it work? How much money will your Tuition Fee Loan be, and will it cover all your course fees? Read on to get all the info.
Tuition Fees are the fees that Universities and Colleges charge you, for each year of study. These fees do vary depending on which part of the country you are from, and where you choose to study, but most universities will charge £9,250 per year. Universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland often charge less to students who already live there, so it’s worth double checking with your individual uni. Student Finance will lend you a Tuition Fee Loan to the amount of money you need to pay your course fees in full.
Most students will choose to pay for the costs of going to University by taking out a student loan with the Student Finance Company. These loans can cover the costs of your tuition, and also your living costs.
Tuition fee loans cover the cost of your tuition, and pay for your lectures, seminars, and university equipment. The amount of this loan will match the tuition fee value, set by your University.
Maintenance loans cover your living expenses during your time at University. This amount often varies, depending on where you are from, how much your parents earn, and where you will be studying. For more info about these sorts of loans and to find out how much you could receive, visit our
Maintenance Loans Guide.
Once you apply to the Student Loans Company, and your application has been processed, tuition fees are paid to your University directly. If you’re lucky enough to have the money lying around and want to pay the fees directly, you have that option too. However, if you already have a Higher Education qualification, and you are applying for a loan for another one, you’re unlikely to be able to borrow any more money.
How much can you borrow with an Undergraduate Tuition Fee Loan? Individuals starting an undergraduate degree can borrow up to a maximum of £9,250.
As fees can vary between different universities and degrees, this may change, but most Uni’s do charge the maximum capped course fee amount, of £9,250.
Part time students make up 40% of all undergraduates in the UK. For those studying part time, expect fees to vary between £4,500 and £6,935. The good news is, for any part-time students studying at least 25% of a full time course, have been eligible for a tuition fee loan, on exactly the same terms as a full time student.
Individuals starting a Master’s degree can apply for a Master’s Tuition Fee Loan to pay for their course. Similarly to undergraduate loans, Master’s loans will only need repaying after their course has been completed.
Individuals starting a Doctoral level degree are eligible to apply for a Doctoral Tuition Fee Loan. Similarly, this loan will only need repaying once the course has been completed.
Hoping to study a healthcare degree for a future working in the NHS? Funding for healthcare qualifications differ from the usual, and are slightly complicated in their own right. We put together a guide on NHS Bursaries which cover all the ins and outs you need to know. Read the
NHS Bursary Guide here.
You can start applying for Student Finance in the Spring time before your course begins. Give yourself enough time to get all your documents and paperwork together, plus a good 6-8 weeks to get a decision from your application.
You want to make sure that money comes to you, and pays your course fees, as smoothly as possible, so applying earlier is the safest bet. You don’t even need a confirmed place at a University, so start the application process, regardless of your pre-uni results.
When you apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, you will first need to agree to the
Student Finance Company’s Loan Terms & Conditions.
The easiest way for full time undergraduate students to apply for their Student Loan, is by applying
Online Here. Make sure you apply as soon as possible, so you can help do everything you can to get your funding land in your account just when you start uni.
New students (full time, part time) will need to set up a new Student Finance account. When applying, make sure to have to hand: a proof of identity, national insurance details, course details and start date, and bank account details. Make sure when creating your account, you note down and keep safe any account details, credentials, and reference numbers you are provided.
For returning or continuing students, reapplying for Student Finance in your later years at University is a much easier process. Simply log in to your Student Finance account and apply. Remember, the earlier you submit your application, the less chance of any hiccups or delays happening with your loan landing in your bank.
So that’s everything you need to know about your Student Tuition Fee Loan. Things do change all the time though, so we always recommend best to check with your Student Finance funding body to confirm details of your loan. Here’s a few links to get any questions you might have answered.
We hope you've got a bit more of an idea on your Student Tuition Fee Loan. If you’re looking for more advice and information on Student Finance, check out our
Student Finance Guides.