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Students · 2025/26 Plan 5

Maintenance Loan Calculator

Plan 5 applies to new English undergraduates from September 2023. The loan depends on household income and where you’ll live during term-time.

£

Combined parental taxable income (or your own if independent).

Annual maintenance loan

£8,169

≈ £2,723 per term (3 instalments).

Breakdown

  • Maximum loan
    £10,544
  • Income-based reduction
    −£2,375
  • Your loan
    £8,169
  • Minimum (means-tested floor)
    Loan can’t fall below this for your accommodation type.
    £6,853

How we calculated your result

Each accommodation type has a maximum loan. Above a £25,000 household income, the loan tapers by £1 for every £8.42 of extra income, down to a minimum (means-tested floor) — never below it.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • 2025/26 maximums: £8,877 (home), £10,544 (away), £13,762 (London), £12,070 (abroad).
  • Household income = parents’ combined taxable income, or your own if estranged / over 25.
  • Paid in 3 instalments at the start of each term.
  • Plan 5 repayment: 9% of earnings over £25,000, written off after 40 years.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Income drops mid-year

    If household income falls by 15%+ during the year, ask SFE for a Current Year Income assessment — could unlock thousands more.

  • ⚠ Sibling at uni boosts your loan

    Having a brother or sister also in higher education reduces the income that counts towards your assessment.

  • ⚠ Loan doesn’t cover everything

    Even the London maximum rarely covers rent + bills + food. Plan for a part-time job or top-up from family.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Plan 2 or Plan 5?
Plan 5 — for new English students from 2023/24 onwards. Plan 2 (pre-2023 starters) has different repayment thresholds.
What counts as household income?
Your parents’ combined taxable income from the previous tax year, less pension contributions and any other dependent children allowance.
Does the loan affect benefits?
Maintenance Loan counts as income for Universal Credit purposes (with some disregards). Always tell your work coach.

Estimate only — Student Finance England’s final assessment depends on your full circumstances. Apply at gov.uk/student-finance.

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