Student Finance 101

UA92’s Admissions Manager, Josh Pinder, is here to bust some of the biggest myths about Student Finance in England.

Many people worry they can’t afford higher education, but the truth is you don’t need to be wealthy to get a degree. With the right information and support, higher education is more accessible than you might think. Education is one of the best investments you can make – it opens doors, boosts your earning potential and helps you build a career you love, all with very little upfront cost.

Do I need to pay my tuition fees upfront?

Not at all. For the latest fee information, you can check our website, but in most cases (unless you choose to self-fund) Student Finance England will handle your fees when you take out a Tuition Fee Loan. This loan goes straight to university your chosen institution to cover your course fees. You won’t need to pay anything until after you’ve graduated and are earning over a certain amount per year.

How will I afford my living costs?

That’s where the Maintenance Loan comes in. This depends on your household income and where you live. This loan is paid directly into your bank account in three instalments, around September, January, and April, and helps with everyday costs like rent, food and travel.

UA92’s Student Experience team can also help you find flexible part-time work with our partner organisations, if you’d like to top up your income while studying.

When do I start repaying my loan?

Only once you’re earning over £25,000 a year, and even then, you’ll only repay 9% of anything you earn above that threshold**.

For example, if you earn £30,000 a year, you’ll pay back around £37.50 a month, less than most phone bills. If your income drops below £25,000, repayments stop automatically until you’re earning more again.

And after 40 years, any remaining balance is wiped completely**.

What if I haven’t got my university place yet?

You can still apply for Student Finance even before you’ve got an offer. Applications usually open around late February to March, and you can update your university choice later if it changes.

My top tip: apply early, double-check all your details and send all the evidence you need to send as soon as possible. It can sometimes take up to 12 weeks to process applications during busy periods, so the sooner you start, the smoother the process will be.

Is there extra help available?

Yes! At UA92, we believe financial challenges shouldn’t be a barrier to ambition. That’s why we offer additional bursaries and support packages for students who need them most – and these don’t need to be paid back.

So, what’s the catch?

Honestly, there isn’t one. Your student loan isn’t bad debt – like a credit card or bank loan. It won’t affect your credit score or mortgage application, and repayments are handled automatically through your salary.

For most people, the biggest surprise is realising how manageable it all is.

**UA92 will review tuition fees each year. For UK students if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, UA92, along with other HEIs in England, may increase fees each year using RPI-X, subject to the maximum fee limits set out in regulations. All figures are correct at time of publication (November 2025)