The United Kingdom government is increasing the maximum maintenance loans available to undergraduate students across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for the 2025-26 academic year. These loans are intended to help students cover day-to-day living costs while pursuing higher education.
Students from England will see the maximum maintenance loan for those living away from their parents outside of London rise to £10,544 for the 2025-26 academic year, an increase from £10,227 in the previous year. This amount is scheduled to further increase to £10,830 for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the government is reintroducing maintenance grants of up to £1,000 annually for students from lower-income households in England enrolled in courses aligned with its Industrial Strategy. These grants, which do not require repayment, are slated to become available from 2028, with a list of eligible courses still under development.
For students in Wales, the maximum maintenance loan for those studying away from home will be £11,345 in 2025-26, up from £11,150. This figure is expected to rise to £11,570 for the 2026-27 academic year. Welsh students may also be eligible for maintenance grants that do not need to be repaid.
In Scotland, the maximum annual maintenance loan available to students under 25 is £9,400. Scottish students also have the option to apply for various bursaries and grants.
Students from Northern Ireland who are studying away from home can borrow up to £8,132 in 2025-26, with this amount set to increase to £8,352 in 2026-27.
These adjustments to maintenance loans come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the repayment terms of Plan 2 student loans in England.