The Maintenance Loan is designed to help with your living costs while at university — rent, food, transport, and other day-to-day expenses. Unlike the Tuition Fee Loan, which goes straight to your university, the Maintenance Loan lands in your bank account. How much you receive depends on three main factors: your household income, where you'll be living, and where in the UK you'll be studying.
Household Income
If you're under 25 and financially dependent on your parents, SFE assesses your parents' combined income to determine your Maintenance Loan. Lower household income means a higher loan. For 2025 entry, students with a household income of £25,000 or less receive the maximum loan. As income rises, the loan decreases on a sliding scale until it reaches the minimum at a household income of around £62,000–£70,000, depending on your living situation.
If you're 25 or over, or can prove financial independence, your household income isn't assessed — you automatically receive the maximum Maintenance Loan.
Where You'll Be Living
Your Maintenance Loan amount also depends on whether you'll be living at home with your parents, living away from home outside London, or living away from home in London. London commands the highest rates due to the higher cost of living.
2025 Maximum Amounts
For students starting in 2025, the maximum Maintenance Loans are approximately: £8,610 per year if you live at home, £10,227 if you live away from home outside London, and £13,348 if you live away from home in London. These are paid in three instalments across the academic year, typically in September, January, and April.
Is It Enough?
For many students, the Maintenance Loan doesn't fully cover living costs, particularly in expensive cities. You may need to supplement it with part-time work, savings, or support from family. Some students may also be eligible for additional grants or bursaries — for example, the NHS Learning Support Fund for healthcare students, or university-specific bursaries based on household income.
If you want help working out what you're entitled to, give us a call. We can help you understand the numbers and plan your budget for university life.