Thousands of students collecting A-level and other Level 3 results this summer are now preparing to start university, and most will need a student loan to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Loan rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, both in how much can be borrowed and in when repayments begin. The average graduate in England currently leaves university owing more than £47,500, though figures vary depending on when someone started their course.
Separate reporting has found that average student debt in England actually fell slightly to £47,730 in 2026, largely because newer, lower-interest Plan 5 loans began entering repayment, even as tuition fees and living costs have continued to rise.
How do student loans work?
Every student loan package is made up of two separate elements: a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan for living costs. The tuition fee loan is paid straight to the university or college and covers the annual cost of the course, up to a set maximum that differs by nation.
Maximum tuition fees currently stand at £9,790 a year in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, the cap is £4,985 for Northern Irish students but £9,790 for other UK students studying there. In Scotland, tuition is free for the majority of Scottish students, while other UK students pay up to £9,790.
The maintenance loan, which is meant to help with accommodation, food, books and equipment, is assessed separately and is means-tested according to household income. Students may qualify for additional support if they are disabled or have children, and those under 25 with no contact with their parents may be able to apply as an
