Can you get a student loan through Clearing? Here's what you need to know in 2026

Let's get down to it. Can you get a student loan if your route to university involved Clearing?

Yes.

Applying through Clearing doesn't affect your eligibility for funding. You just need to apply for student finance or update your existing application as soon as you've accepted your place.

Here's what you need to know.

Does Clearing affect your student loan?

No. Whether you accepted your offer months ago or found your course through Clearing, you can still apply for the same student finance if you're eligible.

This includes:

• A tuition fee loan, paid directly to your university.
• A maintenance loan, paid into your bank account to help cover everyday costs such as accommodation, food and travel.

The main difference is timing. Once you've accepted your offer, update or submit your student finance application as soon as possible to give Student Finance England time to process it before your course starts.

If you're still deciding where to study, explore our undergraduate courses before making your final choice.

Already applied? Update your details

If you've already applied for Student Finance England this year, you don't need to start again.

Log in to your Student Finance account and update your university and course details after accepting your Clearing offer.

Remember, UCAS and Student Finance England don't automatically share your information, so updating your UCAS application won't update your student finance.

While you're there, check:

• Your university and course
• Course length, including any foundation year
• Tuition fees
• Where you'll be living during term time

Your accommodation details are important because they can affect how much maintenance loan you receive. If you're still deciding where to live, read our guide to student accommodation at UEL.

Haven't applied yet?

There's still time.

You don't need a confirmed university place before applying. Apply using the course you're most likely to study, then update your application once you've accepted your final offer.

Applying online usually takes around 30 minutes. You'll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Passport or identity details
• Bank account details
• Household income information, if you're applying for a means-tested maintenance loan

Although applications are accepted well into the academic year, applying early gives you the best chance of receiving your funding before your course begins.

What if my loan is delayed?

A delay doesn't mean you'll be left without support.

Student Finance England may release part of your maintenance loan before your household income assessment is complete. Once your application has been processed, you'll receive any remaining amount you're entitled to.

If you're joining UEL, the Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) can provide budgeting advice and financial guidance if your funding is delayed.

It's also worth checking your Student Finance account regularly and uploading any requested documents as quickly as possible to help avoid unnecessary delays.

How much student finance could I get?

Your tuition fee loan covers the full cost of your tuition fees and is paid directly to your university, so you won't need to pay anything upfront.

The amount of maintenance loan you receive depends on factors including:

• Household income
• Where you live during term time
• Your personal circumstances

For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible students can receive a maintenance loan of up to £14,135.

You may also be eligible for scholarships and bursaries that don't need to be repaid.

Use the UEL Funding Calculator to estimate your tuition fees, maintenance loan and any additional funding you could receive.

Tips for applying through Clearing

If you've secured your place through Clearing, these steps can help everything run more smoothly:

• Accept your university offer as soon as you've made your decision
• Apply for student finance or update your existing application straight away
• Check your course and accommodation details are correct
• Upload requested documents promptly
• Keep an eye on your Student Finance account for updates

A little preparation now can make starting university much less stressful.