Everything you need to know about student loan payment dates in 2026/27.
Student finance payment dates are arguably some of the most important dates in any student's calendar. When else are you going to get a chunk of cash sent straight to your bank account (without actual employment)?
Three times a year, you'll wake up to a healthy portion of student loan straight in your bank account. And for a few hours at least, you'll be feeling wealthy, healthy, and thriving. You'll be fed by your riches for a total of... I don't know, 3 hours maybe? Until you have to pay your rent, bills, and do a food shop.
Budgeting is super important as a student, so you'll need to keep note of your student finance payment dates so you know when to expect your riches — or you'll end up blowing the whole chunk on new clothes and takeaways. Been there, done that, got the debt for it. Budgeting is almost as important as going to your lectures and sticking to your flat's cleaning rota.
We've got all your important student finance payment dates and information about student maintenance loans for 2026/27. Make a note of them so you don't forget!
No loan drop yet? We've got what to do if you haven't received your student loan yet.
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What Is a Maintenance Loan?
A maintenance loan is financial support provided to eligible students to help cover living expenses while attending university, administered by the Student Loans Company. It's designed to help with accommodation, food, transport, and day-to-day costs like socialising. The amount you get depends on household income and a few other factors, so every student will receive a different amount.
University courses in England cost a maximum of £9,790 per year for courses starting in 2026/27, while living costs vary based on where you study and where you live. Every eligible student in the UK can apply for two types of student loan: a tuition fees loan and a maintenance loan.
The tuition fees loan covers the cost of your course and is paid directly to your university by Student Finance — you won't see this money in your bank account.
You may also hear the term SLC disbursement, which just means receiving your Student Loans Company payment.
When Is the Student Finance Maintenance Loan Paid?
Your maintenance loan is paid in three instalments, one at the start of each term.
For the 2026/27 academic year, you can expect your first instalment at the end of September/start of October 2026. The next will arrive at the start of January 2027, and the final instalment at the start of April 2027. The exact date depends on your course and university — log in to your Student Finance England account to see your personal payment schedule.
Although payments are usually split into roughly equal thirds, you may receive slightly different amounts per instalment depending on your total entitlement. Student Finance will typically send a text or email a few days before payment — bear in mind it can take up to three working days to appear in your account, so plan around any upcoming large outgoings.
In Scotland, SAAS student loan payments are made monthly rather than in three instalments.
Student Finance Payment Dates Tips
To make sure you get paid on time:
Submit your application before the deadline and provide all required evidence.
Check your bank details are correct on your online account.
Enrol on your course — payments won't be made until your university confirms your enrolment.
When Will I Get My Student Loan for Tuition Fees?
Your tuition fees are covered by your student loan but paid directly to your university in three instalments: 25% at the start of term 1, 25% at the start of term 2, and 50% at the start of term 3. You don't need to do anything — it's sorted automatically. Check your student finance account regularly to make sure the right amounts are scheduled.
What's the Maximum Student Maintenance Loan in 2026/27?
The amount you're entitled to depends on where you're studying, where you'll be living, and your household income.
For students in England studying in 2026/27 and living away from home outside London, the maintenance loan ranges from £4,767 to £10,544 depending on household income. Students living in London receive a higher amount to account for the cost of living — up to £15,285 for those with household incomes below the lower threshold.
Check our student maintenance loans guide for a full breakdown for English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish students, whether you're living at home, away, or in London.
When Is the Next Student Loan Payment?
If your first instalment has already landed, the next one arrives in January 2027 — the exact date varies by university but typically falls in the first few weeks of term.
Do You Have to Repay Your Student Loan?
Yes, but not until after you've graduated and are earning above the repayment threshold. You don't start repaying until the April after you leave your course, and repayments are taken automatically from your salary — you don't have to do anything.
After you graduate, the loan is written off after a set period (30 or 40 years depending on your plan), so there's a strong chance you won't repay the full amount.
When Do You Repay Your Maintenance Loan?
Repayments kick in once you're earning above the threshold for your student loan plan. The thresholds below are confirmed for 2026/27.
Plan 1 (English/Welsh students who started before 2012, or Northern Irish students): threshold £26,900/year
Plan 2 (English/Welsh students, September 2012–July 2023): threshold £29,385/year
Plan 4 (Scottish students, post-September 2012): threshold £33,795/year
Plan 5 (English students starting August 2023 onwards): threshold £25,000/year — repayments at 9% of earnings above the threshold, written off after 40 years
Postgraduate loan: threshold £21,000/year — repayments at 6%
Which Student Loan Plan Am I On?
Plan 1: English or Welsh students who started before 2012; Northern Irish students who started after 1998
Plan 2: English or Welsh students who started between September 2012 and July 2023
Plan 4: Scottish students who started after September 2012
Plan 5: English students starting from August 2023 onwards
How to Find My Student Finance Payment Dates Schedule
Go to the Student Finance login on the GOV.UK website and sign in.
Click 'Undergraduate student finance applications'.
Select the relevant application.
Click 'view your payments' (below 'manage your student finance').
What Your Payment Status Means
Status | What it means |
|---|---|
Checking details | We're checking your National Insurance number. Enter it in 'Your actions to complete' if needed. |
Scheduled | Your payment is scheduled — your university still needs to confirm enrolment. |
Awaiting confirmation | Waiting for your university to confirm you've enrolled. |
Ready to be paid | Nothing to do — payment will be made on the date shown. |
Payment in progress | On its way. Allow up to three working days. |
Paid | It's in your account! |
Blocked | Payment can't be made — contact Student Finance. |
Cancelled | Payment has been cancelled — contact Student Finance if you're unsure why. |
Failed | Payment was returned — check your bank details are correct. |
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