Hong Life CalculatorsMaintenance Loan rates 2026/27 – new full-time students in England
| Where you live | Maximum (income ≤ £25,000) | Reduce £1 per | Minimum | Minimum reached at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living with parents | £9,118 | £6.54 over £25,000 | £4,013 | £58,347 |
| Living away from home, outside London | £10,830 | £6.47 over £25,000 | £5,048 | £62,410 |
| Living away from home, in London | £14,135 | £6.36 over £25,000 | £7,039 | £70,131 |
Official sample amounts
| Household income | Outside London | London | With parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| £25,000 | £10,830 | £14,135 | £9,118 |
| £30,000 | £10,058 | £13,349 | £8,354 |
| £35,000 | £9,285 | £12,563 | £7,589 |
| £40,000 | £8,512 | £11,777 | £6,825 |
| £45,000 | £7,739 | £10,991 | £6,060 |
How it is calculated
- Start from the maximum loan for where you will live.
- If household income is above £25,000, take off £1 for every full £6.47 (outside London), £6.36 (London) or £6.54 (with parents) of income above £25,000.
- The loan never falls below the minimum.
- Example: £40,000, away outside London: (40,000 − 25,000) ÷ 6.47 = 2,318 → £10,830 − £2,318 = £8,512.
FAQ
What counts as household income?
Usually your parents’ combined gross income for an earlier tax year (Student Finance England asks for the right year), with some deductions such as pension contributions. Independent students use their own and any partner’s income.
Do I have to pay the Maintenance Loan back?
Yes. It is added to your student loan and repaid at 9% of income above the threshold for your plan (Plan 5 for courses starting since August 2023: £25,000).
Is this for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
No. These rates are for students from England (Student Finance England). The other nations have their own systems.
Sources (checked 10 November 2026): GOV.UK “Support with living and other costs: 2026 to 2027 academic year” (maximum and minimum loans); GOV.UK “Student finance: how you’re assessed and paid 2026 to 2027” (reduction rates, sample amounts). Estimate, not an official result.