Maintenance Loans for Students

The maintenance loan for students is a means tested loan given to students to help them pay their living costs while studying. Living costs include accommodation, bills, books etc.

This loan is repayable after you leave university and are earning over £15,000.

We also have information on paying back student loans.

The term ‘means tested’ is used to define a loan that is dependent upon your household income. There are some important things to remember here:

• Your household income is the sum of the incomes of your parents / guardians.
• If you are an independent student your household income is defined as your own income and that of your partner, should you have one. Please note that you cannot just declare yourself as independent, you have to prove it.
• If you are over 25 you are automatically considered to be an independent student regardless of your relationship with your parents or guardian.

The following shows the Maximum Student Loans for Maintenace in 2008/09. How much you actually get will be, as said above, means tested. However only 25% is means tested so the minimum you will receive is 75% of the amounts below.

Full-year rates - Maximum Student Loans for Maintenance

Final-year rates - Maximum Student Loans for Maintenance

The maintenance loan is usually paid to you in 3 instalments by the student loans company (SLC).

More Information

See our maintenance grant guide and tuition fees guide.