Tuition fees are charged by universities and colleges to cover key elements of your course and academic life, as well as core services related to students’ wellbeing and experience on campus.

If you’re unsure if something is covered by your tuition fees – or if you’ll have to pay for it, ask your university or college. 

Tuition fees can vary quite a bit – even for similar courses. Most undergraduate courses in England charge up to £9,250 per year.

Student finance usually consists of a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan to cover – or at least partially help with – your university costs.

All full-time undergraduate students are eligible for student finance, provided they meet some basic criteria:

• Residency – you’re a UK national or have settled status, normally live in your home country, and have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for three years before the beginning of your course.

• Your university or college – you’re studying at a recognised publicly-funded university or college (or a private institution studying a course approved for public funding).

• Your course – you’re studying a recognised full-time course e.g. a first degree, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or an initial Teacher Training course.

• It’s your first higher education course – you can still get some funding if you’ve studied a HE course before, but it will be limited and you’ll have to make up any shortfall. 

Both Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans must be paid back once you graduate and you’re earning above a minimum salary. Repayment systems vary from country to country.

You have to apply for student finance for each year of your course – not just your first year. This is to guarantee you get the support you’re entitled to throughout your studies.

You must apply to the student finance body in your country, as well as notify them of any changes to your circumstances, e.g. you leave or change your course. Below is a guide to who looks after student finance in each country. 

It can take up to six weeks to process student finance applications. Make sure you apply early – even if you have a conditional offer – as you can amend or cancel your application if your plans change. 

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) helps cover some of the extra study-related costs you may incur due to an impairment, mental health condition, or learning difference. This is a non-repayable allowance which is in addition to other student finance. 

The amount you’ll receive depends on your individual needs not on your income, nor that of your parents or partner. However, there are some restrictions on what you may use DSA for and there are regional differences around the UK, so check the details carefully.

Read more about DSA.

There are also a number of grants and allowances to help with any extra costs you might incur while studying as a result of your personal circumstances, namely if you:

• are disabled

• are a parent

• have adult or child dependants you’re financially responsible for

• are facing financial hardship

To apply for these, you may have to undergo some form of assessment, e.g. to understand your needs due to your disability, or provide evidence that illustrates your situation, e.g. bank statements to show your financial hardship. 

However, these extra sources of support can make a significant difference to your budget – and your student life in general. Plus, you don’t have to repay them. 

What’s available and how much you can get will vary from country to country – read more in our regional finance guides: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.