Trending: 2026/27 student finance applications opened on 23 March 2026

How Much Student Maintenance Loan Can You Get in 2026?

For 2026, maintenance loans range from around £4,000 to £14,135 a year depending on where you live and study and your household income. Students living away from home in London get the most; those living with parents get the least.

Last reviewed: 30 May 2026 · 2 min read

Key Facts

Maximum maintenance loan is £14,135 for living away in London (2026/27)
Tuition fee loans cover fees up to £9,790 a year
How much you get is means-tested on household income

What determines how much you get

Three things drive your maintenance loan: where you live while studying, whether that's in London, and your household income. The most goes to students living away from home and studying in London; the least to those living with their parents.

The loan is means-tested, so the higher your household income, the smaller your maintenance loan. The assessment usually looks at your parents' income unless you qualify as an independent student.

Tuition versus maintenance

There are two separate loans. The tuition fee loan covers your course fees up to £9,790 a year for 2026 and is paid straight to your university, so you never see it. The maintenance loan is paid into your bank account in three instalments to cover living costs like rent and food.

Both are part of the same student finance package and both are repaid together later, on the same income-based terms.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my maintenance loan smaller than my friend's? +

Almost always because of household income. The loan is means-tested, so if your household earns more, your maintenance loan is reduced — the assumption being your family contributes the difference. Where you live and study also matters, with London and living-away students getting more.

Does the maintenance loan cover all my rent? +

Often not, especially in expensive cities. Many students find the maintenance loan falls short of rent plus living costs, which is why part-time work, savings or family support are common. Budgeting carefully and checking your university's hardship funds can help close the gap.

When does the maintenance loan get paid? +

It's paid in three instalments, usually at the start of each term, directly into your bank account. The first payment only arrives once you're registered and your university has confirmed your attendance to the Student Loans Company, so it can be a little after term starts.

Topics covered

student loans maintenance loan student finance

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.