Looking for student finance but getting confused?
Our guide covers different options and the application process, as well as a selection of tools and resources to help you manage your student finances.
For the sixth year in a row, we’ve published data to help you understand what it’s really like to be a student at university. We’ve asked 3,604 students across 35 popular university cities how much they spend on essentials like food, rent and bills, and how they juggle their time across studying, part-time work and socialising.
First things first, let's cover what's available. As a student, you may be entitled to two loans – one for tuition fees and another for maintenance costs.
The tuition fee loan is paid directly to your university. It covers course costs of up to £9,000 per year and isn’t dependent on your household income. If you’re going to a private university or college, the maximum loan available will be £6,000.
The student maintenance loan is designed to cover living costs while you’re at university, including things like accommodation, food, transport and socialising. Your household income, where you study and where you live will all affect how much you’re entitled to.
We've outlined some key things to consider when applying for your student loan. For information on additional student finance options, check out our section on bursaries, grants and scholarships.
Make sure you apply in good time. Student loan applications can take up to six weeks to process, and if you don't apply early enough, your student loan should may not be paid into your account in time for the start of the course.
Be sure to have your bank account set up before you start the student loan application. Have all relevant details to hand when it comes to applying for a bank account, including ID and proof of student status.
For full details and to make the application, visit the relevant UK student finance body:
Student Awards Agency Scotland
If you haven't applied for student finance before, you'll need to create an account. When it comes to making the application, it's important to have all required information to hand, including household income.
Check out our guide to paying back your student loan. We have the answers to some of the most common questions around when you start repaying your loan and how much.
Bursaries are lump sums paid directly to students who meet certain criteria
They are awarded annually, often on a first come first serve basis
They are given on the condition that the money is used for certain things like food or books
Check out the Save the Student finance guide to find out more on bursaries available to you.
Similar to bursaries, and sometimes part of bursary packages
Grants are awarded by government, as well as by a range of charities and trusts
Eligibility is based on a range of criteria
You can find additional information on student grants available on the Government student finance guide.
Scholarships often reward students who excel academically, in music and sport
They are also available based on personal circumstances and course selection
There is also funding based on extra-curricular activities such as community work
Search thousands of scholarships on Scholarship Search.
Don't leave home without it. The mobile app is packed with features to help you stay on top of your student finances.
The ability to check your balance, move money and handle your finances on the go
Touch ID, Face ID and Android Fingerprint login keeping your details and finances under lock and key
Round-the-clock access allowing you to stay on top things wherever or whenever you like
Cutting-edge features like “Get Cash” - which allows card-less ATM withdrawals
Our app is available to Digital Banking customers with a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
