Student loans
Applications are made through the Government student finance website by creating or logging into your Student Finance England account. Once registered, you can submit evidence, track your application and check updates about your funding.
Please note that international students are not eligible for funding from the Student Loans Company. Some EU nationals and students with certain residency statuses may be eligible.
Undergraduate, foundation and extended degree loans
Tuition fee loan
The tuition fee loan covers the full cost of your tuition fees and is paid directly to the University, so you do not need to pay these fees upfront. You can check your course fees on our website before applying.
Maintenance loan
A maintenance loan helps with additional living costs such as accommodation, food and travel. The amount you receive depends on where you live and study, and your household income. Maintenance loans are paid directly into your bank account, usually in three instalments across the academic year. They are available to full-time students and eligible part-time students studying a full honours degree. Distance learners may qualify if they cannot attend in person due to a disability.
Use the student finance calculator to estimate what you could receive.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open for full-time undergraduate students. New students should apply by 15 May 2026. Returning students should apply by 19 June 2026.
You apply through the government website using your Student Finance England account. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to set up an account and provide your personal information. Returning students should sign in to update their application for the new academic year.
Make sure you have your National Insurance number and any evidence required by SFE. Parents, partners, or guardians may also need to supply income information if your application is household income assessed.
Repaying your loan
You’ll only begin repaying your loan once your income is above the repayment threshold. The current repayment threshold is £27,295 per year before tax and deductions (this may change). You repay nine per cent of your income above this amount.
Payments are taken automatically through the tax system, so the amount you repay depends on what you earn, not how much you borrowed. Interest is added from the day your course starts, but this does not change your monthly repayment.
Postgraduate taught loans
Depending on your course start date and its duration, you may be eligible for a postgraduate taught loan up to £13,206. The loan is not based on household income, and is paid directly to you, allowing you to decide how the funding is used, whether towards tuition fees, study costs or living expenses. Graduate-entry medical students may also receive support from Student Finance England for fees charged above £3,465.
Funding is available for eligible UK students and applicants with settled status. You must be under the age of 60 on the first day of your course and studying a full master’s degree. Postgraduate diplomas, certificates and courses with APL or APEL credit are not eligible.
How to apply
Apply through the government website using your Student Finance England account. Before you apply, make sure you have your National Insurance number and any supporting documents required. Part-time study must be no more than double the length of the full-time route, or no longer than three years if no full-time option exists.
Apply for a postgraduate taught loan
Repaying your loan
You will only begin repaying your postgraduate loan once your income exceeds the postgraduate repayment threshold, currently £21,000 per year. You repay six per cent of your income above this threshold. If you have both undergraduate and postgraduate loans, repayments will be made towards both loans based on the relevant thresholds.
Postgraduate research loans
Postgraduate research loans are available for full-time and part-time standalone doctoral courses which are taught, research-based or a combination of both. Courses must normally last between three and eight academic years. A loan may also be available for courses taught partly overseas where the UK institution is the lead provider and at least half of your study takes place in the UK. It is not based on household income and is normally available to UK nationals, eligible EU nationals and individuals with settled status.
How to apply
Apply for a postgraduate research loan using your account on the Student Finance England website.
Repaying your loan
You’ll repay your loan through the tax system once you’re earning above the repayment threshold. How much you repay depends on your income and repayment plan. You must still repay your loan if you leave your course early, but you do not repay grants or bursaries unless you’ve been overpaid. If you move overseas for more than three months, you must update your details with the Student Loans Company to make sure your repayments stay accurate. Full repayment details are available on the Government student finance website.
FAQs
You will normally need your National Insurance number, passport details (if applicable) and your bank account details. Student Finance England may also request additional documents depending on your circumstances, such as birth, marriage, or residency documents. You should provide these as soon as possible to avoid delays to your funding.
You should apply as early as possible once applications open to ensure your funding is in place before the start of your course.
Although you can apply up to nine months after the start of the academic year, we do not recommend it, as this may delay your funding. Until your funding is confirmed, you may be treated as a self-funding student and will be expected to meet the University’s tuition fee liability dates.
You can usually update your details through your student finance account if your circumstances change. This may include changes to your course, personal information, or household income information.
If you’re funded by Student Finance England, contact the funding team as soon as possible and before making any changes. They can review any financial implications and help avoid incorrect payments. You should then inform Student Finance England.
If you have questions about your application, contact the funding team. Undergraduate applicants may be asked for their UCAS ID when making enquiries. You can also contact the Student Centre on +44 (0)1707 284800, search Ask Herts for fees and funding information, or contact Student Finance England directly.
Once we have assessed your household income, you may also be eligible for additional support such as the University of Hertfordshire Undergraduate Bursary. If you choose not to take out a loan for personal or religious reasons, but still need a household income assessment for bursary or hardship funding eligibility, you can request an income assessment.
You should only apply for student finance through official Government websites and only make payments through approved University payment channels. Be cautious of unsolicited contact asking for financial information.