How Student Finance England funds your full UK degree
A plain-English walkthrough of what SFE covers, who qualifies, and how repayment really works once you graduate.
If you're an eligible UK resident considering a degree, Student Finance England (SFE) is almost certainly the most important pot of money you've never properly looked at. Here's a clear breakdown.
What it covers
SFE pays your full tuition fee directly to the university — up to £9,250 per year. You never see the money, and you don't pay anything upfront. That covers the entire cost of teaching, exams, and access to facilities.
Maintenance loan, separately
On top of tuition, you can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with living costs. The amount depends on your household income, where you study, and whether you live with parents.
Repayment that flexes with your income
You only start repaying once you earn above the repayment threshold (currently £25,000/year for Plan 5 borrowers). Repayments are taken automatically from your salary — a small percentage of what you earn above the threshold.
Any remaining balance is written off after 40 years, regardless of how much you've paid back.
Who qualifies
British citizens, EU Settled / Pre-Settled status, ILR holders, and refugees can all access SFE tuition funding. If you're unsure where you fit, a 15-minute call with us is the fastest way to know for sure.