Student finance brackets 2026: how much could you get?

So, you’ve applied for student finance. Now comes the big question: how much money are you actually going to get? Ever wondered how they decide that one person gets a bigger Maintenance Loan than another? It’s not just random, we promise.

It all comes down to student finance brackets.

This is the official system used to figure out your loan amount, and it’s mainly based on your household income. Understanding how it works is the first step in figuring out how to budget as a student and planning for the year ahead. So, let's break down the numbers.

Tuition fee loan vs maintenance loan

Before we dive in, let's get one thing straight. Your student finance is split into two parts:

1. Tuition fee loan: covers your course fees and is paid directly to your uni.
2. Maintenance loan: for your living costs–rent, food, nights out–and it’s paid straight into your bank account.

The amount of maintenance loan you can get is affected by income brackets.

What does 'household income' actually mean?

Household income is the total gross income of your parents or guardians before tax. Student Finance uses this figure to work out how much financial support your family could provide.

For the full, nitty-gritty details on what counts as income and how it’s calculated, check out the official government guide on how you're assessed and paid.

The magic numbers: 2026 maintenance loan brackets

Alright, let's get into it. The amount of maintenance loan you get depends on two things: your household income and where you'll be living while you study.

Disclaimer: The numbers below are based on the 2024/25 figures to give you a strong idea of what to expect for 2025/26. Always use the official calculator for a precise figure.

• Scenario 1: living at home
  If household income is £25,000 or less, you get the max loan (around £8,610). If it’s over £60,000, you’ll get the minimum. If you fall into that bracket, our guide to surviving on the minimum maintenance loan is essential reading.
  
• Scenario 2: living away from home (outside London)
  If household income is £25,000 or less, you get the max loan (around £10,227). If it’s over £62,000, it will be the minimum.
  
• Scenario 3: living away from home (n London)
  If household income is £25,000 or less, you get the max loan (around £13,348). If it's over £70,000, you'll be on the minimum loan and our guide to making it work will be your best friend.

The awkward chat: ‘parental contribution’

If you don't get the maximum loan, Student Finance assumes your parents will make up the difference. This isn't legally binding, but it does mean you might have a budget shortfall.

If this is you, don't panic. Now is the time to think about ways to earn extra cash through uni side hustles and get smart about how to make your student loan last all term.

Stretch your budget further

Whatever your loan size, savings are always a good idea. Cutting down costs on essentials is a great place to start, and there are tons of tricks to save on your food shopping. And don’t forget to make the most of our A-Z of UNiDAYS discounts to save on pretty much everything else.

What if my situation isn’t so straightforward?

If you’re estranged from your parents, over 25, have a disability, or have children who depend on you, the rules are different. You may be assessed as an 'independent student' or be eligible for extra grants. The government has a dedicated page explaining all the extra help available.

Want the exact figure? Use the official calculator

These brackets give you a great ballpark figure, but for a precise estimate, your best bet is to use the official Student Finance Calculator on the gov.uk website to get a personalised forecast.