Q: What support is available to pay for university tuition fees?

A. You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. The loan is paid directly to your university or college. Information on the amount you can borrow can be found on the UCAS website.

Q: What is a maintenance loan?

A. It helps to pay for your living costs while studying at university, such as accommodation, food, travel and clothes. The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term.

The amount you get depends on where you are living (you get more in London) and whether you are living at home. Some of the loan is available to all eligible students and part of it is means-tested, so this part is dependent on household income.

Further information is available on the government website.

For details of how much loan you can get, use the Student finance calculator.

Q: Is any extra financial help available?

A. Extra money or support may be available. For example, if you have children, dependent adults or if you have a disability. Further details are available on the government website.

Many universities also offer extra money directly to students. These bursaries, scholarships and awards don’t have to be paid back. Each university has its own rules about who qualifies, how much you can get and how to apply. You get your bursary directly from your university or college.

Q: How do I apply for student finance?

A. You need to apply using the government website. You don’t need a confirmed place at a university to apply.

Q: How do I work out how much I am entitled to?

A. For the standard student package you can use the Student finance calculator.

Q: Do universities provide any financial help?

A. Many offer financial support to their students through bursaries, awards and scholarships. Bursaries are linked to personal circumstances and often, household income. Awards can include fee waivers or cash. Scholarships can be linked to academic results or outstanding ability in an area, such as sport, music or art.

You should check university websites early and ask at open days for information on support available and how to apply.

Q: When do I have to pay back my student loans?

A. Your repayments are linked to your income and you only make repayments when your income is over a certain amount. Full information is available on the government website

Q: Is everyone eligible to apply for student finance?

A. No, it depends on factors such as what course you’ve applied for, whether you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years before starting your course and nationality/residency requirements, such as being a UK/EU national or having ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay). However, you may also be eligible if you meet other residency requirements. Full details are on the government website.

Q: Are there any useful websites for student finance?

A. Yes, check out the following:

• Gov.UK: It gives an overview of finance available and enables you to apply for financial support.
• YouTube: Student Finance England videos.
• The Student Room: Includes useful information.
• MoneySavingExpert: Student loan myth-busting information and advice from Martin Lewis.