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University Costs Explained

Student Fees

Tuition Fees

They are annual fees charges by the University

They cover the cost of your course 

If you are a British Citizen, you will pay up to £9,250

Student Loan

Student loans cover the fees for studying and your cost of living.

It is split into:

Tuition Fees, and a Maintenance Loan

Maintenance Loans are paid on a sliding scale depending on your needs. It is means tested on your parents household income.

Try a maintenance loan calculator

How to apply

It easy!

You apply for both your tuition fees and maintenance loan together on student finance.

Here is a helpful guide on how to apply.

 

Apply for Student Finance here

Repayments

It’s only repayable once you start earning over a certain threshold.

Most people never actually pay off the full loan amount.

Its like a graduate tax, with higher earners paying back more over time. Any outstanding loan amounts are written off after 40 years. 

Maintenace

This helps cover the cost of living. It is calculated dependent on your parent/carer's income. Look for more information here 

Grant Support

Bursaries, Grants and Scholarships

There are lots of reasons you can be eligible for free money whilst studying. Its always worth checking what you could apply for. Watch the video for more information

Average Student Budget

This is Samira, she started University this year in London. She has a part time job at a high street retailer for 26 hours a week and has the maximum maintenance loan. She is living away from home.

Incomings

SourceFrequencyAverage amount
Maintenance LoanYearly£11,000 = £916 a month
Part time job wage Monthly£1,154
Monthly total £2,070

Outgoings

SourceFrequencyAverage amount
RentMonthly£860
TravelMonthly£43
Bills (Energy, Internet, subscriptions)
*Students are exempt from Council Tax
Monthly£100-150
(dependent on house sharing arrangements)
GroceriesMonthly£100
Social life/hobbiesWeekly£150
Monthly total£1753

Student Budget Tips

Student Bank Accounts

Compare different student bank accounts and their benefits

Travel smart

Save 30% on the adult rate by buying a student oyster card

Shop Discounts

There are plenty of high street discounts by using one of these apps when you are a student. Download them today.

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Maximise your Income

Maximise your income by checking what benefits you’re entitled to. £19 billion in benefits go unclaimed every year. Try our easy to use benefits checker today.