When Does Student Finance Come In?

Student finance is one of the most important lifelines for students across the UK, helping cover both tuition fees and day-to-day living costs. But if you’re new to university or returning for another year, you may be wondering: when does student finance actually come in?

Here’s everything you need to know about how and when student finance is paid, including maintenance loans, loan plans, repayment rules and dates for 2025/26.

What Is a Maintenance Loan?

The maintenance loan is the portion of your student finance that helps cover your living expenses while studying. This includes rent, food, travel and other essentials. It’s separate from your tuition fee loan, which goes straight to your university.

The maintenance loan is paid directly into your bank account and must be repaid once you finish your course and earn above the repayment threshold.

When Does Student Finance Get Paid?

Student finance is typically paid in three instalments each academic year. For full-time students in England, these are:

• September: at the start of term

• January: after the Christmas break

• April: after the Easter break

Exact dates vary depending on your university's term start dates and how early you applied for student finance. You’ll receive a payment schedule when your loan is approved, which you can find by logging into your Student Finance account.

Payments usually arrive just before term begins, but it’s best to have a financial buffer in case of any delays.

When Does the January Student Loan Come In?

The January payment typically lands early to mid-January, after the winter holidays. However, you must be fully enrolled and have had your attendance confirmed by your university for the payment to go through.

Delays are often caused by admin hold-ups, changes in course details or missing information on your Student Finance account.

Why Are My Student Finance Payments Split?

Student finance is divided into three parts to align with academic terms and to help students manage their budgets more evenly. It also ensures that the payments reflect your continued attendance.

If you drop out or suspend your studies, future payments may be paused or reduced, depending on the timing.

How Is Student Loan Calculated?

The amount you receive depends on several factors:

• Where you live and study (e.g. at home, in London, away from home outside London)

• Your household income

• Whether you’re in full-time or part-time education

• The length of your course

The loan is means-tested, which means those from lower-income households generally receive more support.

What Is the Average and Maximum Maintenance Loan?

For the 2024/25 academic year, the maximum maintenance loan is:

• Around £8,610 for students living at home

• Around £9,978 for students living away from home (outside London)

• Up to £13,022 for students living away from home in London

The average maintenance loan is usually between £6,000 and £9,000, depending on personal circumstances.

Can Part-Time Students Get a Student Loan?

Yes, part-time students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan and sometimes a maintenance loan, depending on their course intensity and household income.

To qualify, your course must be at least 25% of a full-time equivalent, and you’ll need to be studying at an approved university or college.

Can You Get a Maintenance Loan for Open University?

You can apply for a tuition fee loan if you study with the Open University, but maintenance loans are not currently available for most Open University students.

There are exceptions if you have a disability that prevents you from attending a traditional course.

What Types of Student Loan Plans Are There?

In England, the most common plans are:

• Plan 1: for students who started their course before 1 September 2012

• Plan 2: for students who started after 1 September 2012

• Plan 5: introduced in 2023, for students starting undergraduate courses from August 2023 onwards

• Postgraduate Loan: for master’s or doctoral study

Each plan has different repayment thresholds and interest rates.

When Will I Finish Paying Off My Student Loan?

You’ll start repaying your student loan once you earn over the threshold for your plan. Repayments are automatically deducted through PAYE if you’re employed.

Loans are written off after a set period:           

• Plan 1: 25 years after April you were first due to repay

• Plan 2: 30 years after April you were first due to repay

• Plan 5: 40 years from the April after you were first due to repay

• Postgraduate: 30 years from the April after the first repayment is due

You can make voluntary repayments, but it's not required—and may not be financially beneficial unless you expect to repay the full amount.

How to Find My Student Finance Payment Dates Schedule

To view your exact payment dates:

1. Log into your Student Finance account at www.gov.uk/student-finance

2. Click on your application status

3. Select “View payment schedule”

You’ll see a breakdown of your payment amounts and the dates each is expected to arrive. Make sure your bank details are correct and your course is registered with your provider to avoid delays.

Student Loan Payment Dates for 2025/26

While the full payment calendar for 2025/26 will be confirmed closer to the academic year, the general pattern remains:

• First payment: mid to late September 2025

• Second payment: early to mid-January 2026

• Third payment: early to mid-April 2026

Exact dates will appear in your Student Finance account once your application is approved.

Final Thoughts

Student finance payments come in three instalments throughout the academic year—usually September, January and April. The amounts and exact dates depend on your course, application timing and living circumstances.

Understanding how student loans are calculated, when repayments begin, and which plan you’re on will help you stay in control. If you're unsure about anything, speak to your university's finance office or contact Student Finance England directly.