Graduate Route confirmed for 2026/27
International graduates retain a 2-year post-study work visa (3 years for PhDs). No employer sponsorship required during this period.
All Updates
Student finance, intakes & visa news — built for UK home students
Verified, advisor-reviewed guidance on tuition loans, maintenance grants, scholarships and the latest UKVI announcements affecting the 2026/27 academic year.
£9,535
Max Tuition Fee Loan / yr
£13,348
Max Maintenance Loan / yr
£3,000
Avg partner bursary
7 days
Avg offer turnaround
Verified guidance
Information aligned with Student Finance England (SFE) and GOV.UK 2026/27 policy. Reviewed by UKUNI senior admissions advisors.
Student Finance
How to apply for UK student loans — 2026/27
The UK government provides two main loans for home students: a Tuition Fee Loan paid directly to your university, and a means-tested Maintenance Loan paid into your bank account each term. Repayments only start once you earn over £25,000 — and the balance is written off after 40 years.
- 1
Check eligibility
UK national or settled status, ordinarily resident in England for 3 years, studying an eligible course at a recognised provider.
- 2
Create your SFE account
Register at gov.uk/student-finance with your National Insurance number and a valid passport or birth certificate.
- 3
Apply for Tuition Fee Loan
Up to £9,535/year paid directly to your university. No credit check, repayment only after you earn over £25,000.
- 4
Apply for Maintenance Loan
Means-tested — up to £13,348/year if living away from home outside London. Submit household income evidence (P60 / tax return).
- 5
Add bursaries & grants
Disabled Students' Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance and partner-university bursaries (up to £3,000).
- 6
Confirm with UKUNI
Our advisors review your SFE application before submission to avoid common rejection reasons.
Upcoming Intakes
Intake & visa deadline countdowns
Visa & Regulation
Recent UKVI announcements
Updated financial maintenance thresholds
Student visa applicants must now show £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month (outside London) for up to 9 months.
ATAS certificate processing times
FCDO now confirms ATAS within 4 weeks for sensitive STEM subjects. Apply early to avoid CAS delays.
More news & announcements
UKUNI Editorial
Local bursary round opens for ST1–ST7 postcodes
£500 hardship and travel grants for Stoke-on-Trent residents starting university in 2026.
Read more
UKUNI Editorial
Plan B financing: how to fund your gap year
Combine part-time work, employer sponsorship and short-course loans to bridge a gap year.
Read more
UKUNI Editorial
New partner: £2k merit award for Health & Social Care
Partner award for high-achieving UK applicants enrolling on health pathways.
Read more