Parents' guide to fees and funding
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Parents' guide to fees and funding
A guide to student finance
Student loans can include a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan to help with living costs. Students can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans at the same time via the Student Finance website.
Tuition fees
From 2025/26, tuition fees are £9,535 for the academic year.
Students can study now and pay later. They do not need to pay tuition fees up front. They only repay their tuition fee loan when they earn enough.
Students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of their fees. The Student Loans Company pays the loan directly to the university, so students do not need to pay the fees themselves.
Tuition fee loans are available to eligible UK students and some European Union (EU) students who meet residency requirements, including those with settled or pre-settled status.
Maintenance loan
The maintenance loan helps home students with everyday living costs.
You receive this in three instalments across the academic year, paid directly into your bank account.
How much you get depends on:
- Your household income
- Where you study
- Where you live
All home students receive a basic amount that is not based on household income. If you are under 25, the remaining amount depends on your parents’ or household income.
Find how how much maintenance loan you could get, using our funding calculator.
Parental family contribution
Maintenance loans are means tested based on household income.
If your household income is higher, parents or carers are expected to contribute if you are under 25.
If your parents are separated or divorced, we assess the income of the parent you mainly live with. If that parent lives with a partner, their income is also included.
Check maintenance loan rules on the gov.uk website.
Supporting a student funding application
After the student applies for their loan, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your income. You can confirm your income online. You may need to provide evidence of your income or circumstances.
Read how to support a student finance application on gov.uk
When to apply for student loans
Before applying, use the gov.uk’s online student finance calculator or UEL's funding calculator to estimate how much student funding your child could receive.
Student Finance applications usually open in February before your child starts their course. You do not need to wait for UCAS decisions. You can change course or university details later.
The application process can take up to six weeks. Apply by May to make sure funding is in place before they start university.
If your child applies for other support, such as Disabled Students’ Allowance, they can select this on the form. Student Finance will send any extra forms they need.
Apply on the Student Finance website.
Repay student loans
Tuition fee and maintenance loans are combined into one balance.
Repayments start after your child leaves university and earns over a set amount.
Repayments are taken automatically through the tax system, so students do not need to take action.
Repayments depend on income, not how much is owed.
Find out how student loan repayments work on the gov.uk website.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer scholarships and bursaries based on merit and financial need.
Our competitive scholarships include:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Dean’s Scholarships
These are available during the admissions process. After enrolment, students who experience financial difficulties can apply for bursary support, including the Hardship Bursary.
For more information please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Career Zone
Career Zone is an online platform with careers and employability resources to support student success.
It includes opportunities to work while studying, such as:
- Paid internships
- Temporary on-campus roles
Explore Career Zone and find opportunities to build your experience.
"It's good for parents to have an understanding of how funding works because many are in the dark - and having so much jargon around the subject doesn't help. Ideally, parents should have a strategy for helping with their child's finances. They need to start thinking early about savings and budgeting. And their children can start scoping out possibilities of part-time work. At UEL we have some great onsite options - students can sign up for temporary work at the dedicated agency we have on campus."
Deborah Lindsay, Student Money Advice & Rights manager
Parents’ Guide to Fees and Funding FAQs
How do student loans work for university in the UK?
Student loans in the UK usually include a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. The tuition fee loan is paid directly to the university, while the maintenance loan helps with living costs. Students do not pay anything upfront and only start repaying once they earn above a certain income threshold.
Do parents have to pay for their child’s university education?
Parents are not required to pay tuition fees upfront, as these are covered by student loans. However, maintenance loans are partly based on household income. This means higher-income families may be expected to contribute towards living costs, especially for students under 25.
How much does it cost to study at UEL?
For UK students, undergraduate tuition fees at UEL are typically around £9,535 per year. In addition, students need to budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, and travel. Most students cover these costs through a mix of loans, part-time work, and financial support.
What financial support is available beyond student loans?
In addition to student loans, students may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, and grants. These can help with tuition fees or living costs and do not need to be repaid. UEL also offers financial advice and access to additional funding support to help students manage their finances.
How can my child manage living costs while studying?
Students can manage living costs through maintenance loans, budgeting, and part-time work. UEL also offers opportunities for paid work during studies and provides financial advice through its Student Money Advice and Rights Team. Planning ahead and understanding available funding can help reduce financial pressure. Read our cost of living blog.
Useful links
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Fees and funding
Get information on university fees and how to pay for university tuition. Explore student finance and funding options for your university degree in London.
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Scholarships and bursaries
Discover UEL’s scholarships and bursaries designed to make higher education accessible to everyone. Explore undergraduate, postgraduate, international and sports awards offering financial support.
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Funding calculator
Answer a few quick questions to find out how much financial support you could get for your studies and living costs.
