The loans sit beside the Maintenance Grant, which you do not pay back. Apply for both together.
Quick facts
- Tuition, studying in NI
- Up to £4,985
- Tuition, rest of UK
- Up to £9,790
- Maintenance, at home in NI
- Up to £6,471
- Maintenance, London
- Up to £11,699
- Maintenance, elsewhere
- Up to £8,352
- Repay
- 9% of earnings over £26,900
Tuition Fee Loan
Every eligible full-time student can get a Tuition Fee Loan covering up to the full fee charged. In 2026/27 that is up to £4,985 to study in Northern Ireland and up to £9,790 in the rest of the UK. Student Finance NI pays it straight to your university or college.
At a private institution, the loan may not cover the full fee, and you pay the difference.
Maintenance Loan
- £6,471 living at home with your parents and studying in Northern Ireland
- £8,352 living away from home elsewhere
- £11,699 for a course in London
- £9,956 if you are overseas
You can take out around 75 per cent of the maximum whatever your household income. The remaining 25 per cent depends on household income. You must be under 60 when you start the course, and it is usually paid in three instalments, one each term.
Studying in the Republic of Ireland
If you normally live in Northern Ireland and study in the Republic, you may be able to get a loan covering the full student contribution charge, which is €2,500.
From 2026/27, a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan of up to £10,000 is also available for an eligible postgraduate course in the Republic. See SUSI or UK student finance for which scheme covers you.
Paying it back
Your first repayment is due in the April after you leave your course. You repay 9% of your earnings over £26,900 a year, or the monthly or weekly equivalent.
Interest is added from the day each payment is made until the loan is repaid. If you get income-related benefits or tax credits, the maximum Maintenance Loan you could borrow counts as income, even if you do not take it.
Common questions
How much is the Tuition Fee Loan for NI students in 2026/27?
Up to £4,985 to study in Northern Ireland and up to £9,790 elsewhere in the UK.
How much Maintenance Loan can an NI student get?
Up to £6,471 living at home in NI, £8,352 elsewhere, £11,699 in London and £9,956 overseas.
When do I start repaying my student loan?
In the April after you leave your course, at 9% of earnings over £26,900.
Can I get a loan to study in the Republic of Ireland?
You may get a loan to cover the €2,500 student contribution charge if you normally live in Northern Ireland.