What are tuition fees?
Universities and colleges charge tuition fees to finance major aspects of your course and academic life, as well as core services linked to students' wellness and on-campus experience.
Tuition fees covers:
- course admin costs
- lectures, seminars, and tutorials
- access to campus libraries and computer rooms
- access to course-related facilities and equipment
- student union membership
- support services for students
- graduation ceremony
However, tuition fees won’t usually cover:
- non-compulsory field trips
- printing or photocopying at libraries or IT facilities
- textbooks and other course materials, e.g. art supplies, dancewear accessories
- personal technology, e.g. laptop, tablet, specialist software, camera
- travel costs to work placements
- membership to union clubs and societies
- professional body membership
- graduation attire, photography, and guest tickets
- living costs e.g. accommodation, travel
Ask your university or college if something is covered by your tuition fees – or if you'll have to pay for it.
Even for equivalent courses, tuition prices might vary significantly. You can find out how much they cost by searching for a course, but the chart below can give you an idea.
What financial help can you get?
Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans are two types of student loans that can aid with living expenses.
- Tuition Fee Loans are given directly to the course provider to cover the whole cost of your course, and you won't have to pay it back until after you've completed it and are earning over a specified amount.
- Maintenance Loans are available at the start of each term and can be applied for at the same time (or monthly in Scotland). The amount you get is determined by your household income, where you study, where you reside, and how long you want to stay.
- Students who are qualified for certain benefits, are disabled, or require assistance with childcare fees can apply for grants. Read our blog to learn more about the changes and what they represent. More information is also available on GOV.UK's student finance sites.
EU students
To be eligible for student funding, EU students commencing courses on or after August 1, 2021, must have settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. Students who are Irish citizens are exempt from this rule.
You must understand these criteria before applying for student aid; otherwise, you won't be approved.
For further information, go to GOV.UK's EU or Active Care Education Website Settlement Scheme information guide.
How to apply for a student loan?
To pay – or at least substantially help with – your university expenditures, student financing normally comprises a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan.
All full-time undergraduate students are eligible for student aid if they satisfy the following requirements:
Residency: You are a British national or have settled status in the UK, generally live in your home country, and have lived in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for three years before starting your degree.
Your university or college: you’re studying at a recognized publicly-funded university or college.
Your course: You're enrolled in a full-time course, such as a bachelor's degree, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or an Initial Teacher Training course.
It’s your first higher education course: If you've already studied a HE course, you may be eligible for some money, but it will be limited and you will be responsible for any shortfall.
Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans must both be repaid once you graduate and earn more than the minimum wage. The repayment systems differ from one country to the next.
You must apply for student financial aid for each year of your course, not just the first. This is to ensure that you receive the assistance to which you are entitled throughout your study.
You must apply to your country's student financing authority and tell them of any changes in your circumstances, such as leaving or changing your degree. The following is a list of who is responsible for student finance in each country.