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Student loan options

First things first, let's cover what's available. As a student, you may be entitled to two loans – one for tuition fees and another for maintenance costs. And depending on where you live, there are a range of student finance bodies that could offer the relevant funding.

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Scottish students attending Scottish universities do not pay tuition fees.

Tuition fee loan

Covering the costs of your course

The tuition fee loan is paid directly to your university. It covers course costs of up to £9,000 per year and isn’t dependent on your household income. If you’re going to a private university or college, the maximum loan available will be £6,000.

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Maintenance loan

Covering the costs of living

The student maintenance loan is designed to cover living costs while you’re at university, including things like accommodation, food, transport and socialising. Your household income, where you study and where you live will all affect how much you’re entitled to.

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How to apply for a student loan

We've outlined some key things to consider when applying for your student loan. For information on additional student finance options, check out the UCAS page on bursaries, grants and scholarships.

  1. 01

    Get yourself organised

    Make sure you apply in good time. Student loan applications can take up to six weeks to process, and if you don't apply early enough, your student loan should may not be paid into your account in time for the start of the course.

    Student finance calculator

    Use the Governent's student finance calculator to estimate how much student loan you could get or any extra student funding, for example if you’re disabled or have children.

    Use the student finance calculator Open in new window

  2. 02

    Open a bank account

    Be sure to have your bank account set up before you start the student loan application. Have all relevant details to hand when it comes to applying for a bank account, including ID and proof of student status.

  3. 03

    Submit your application

    For full details and to make the application, visit the relevant UK student finance body:

    Student Finance England

    Student Awards Agency Scotland

    Student Finance Northern Ireland

    Student Finance Wales

    If you haven't applied for student finance before, you'll need to create an account. When it comes to making the application, it's important to have all required information to hand, including household income.

Still looking for a student bank account?

Apply today and you could get a £500 interest free student overdraft for term one, with the option to increase up to £2,000 from term two year one. You can apply for up to £3,250 interest free from year three onwards. You'll also get your hands on a contactless debit card.

 

Open a student bank account

Apply online only. You must be 17+ and have been living in the UK for at least 3 years. You must either be a full time undergraduate student on at least a 2-year course at a UK University/College or you must be completing a nursing course lasting a year or more.  Student arranged overdrafts are available to NatWest Student current account customers, aged 18 or over. Subject to lending criteria.

Fancy some insider knowledge on student life?

Going to university is a major milestone in anyone’s life. But with so many people to meet and costs to budget for, it’s natural to feel some anxiety. At a time of economic uncertainty, you’ll want to begin your studies with your eyes wide open.

The Royal Bank Student Living Index 2024 gives you the full lowdown on higher education in the UK. From spending to budgeting, student loans to socialising, mental health and beyond, our research can prepare you for both the opportunities and realities of university.

Download our Student Living Index 2024 Open in new window
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Saving money as a student

Adjusting to your new independence is a big part of the university experience, especially when it comes to your finances and making your money go further.

Whether you're a student looking for ways to make money on the side or just need a little saving advice, this page has the tips you need.

How to budget at university

As a student, learning how to balance your finances is an important skill to master. Your student loan is paid to you in chunks at the start of each term, so you need to make sure that you spend wisely so each payment lasts you the full term.

Setting a student budget

Planning your budget isn’t always easy, but it’s an important part of student life. Seeing a big figure landing in your bank account for the first time can be misleading.

Once you know how much you'll have to spend, you can start looking at what you need to spend it on. Try to work out what your expenditure will be over the same period – weekly or monthly. Our budget calculator is a great pace to start. The trick is to make sure that your income is either more or the same as your expenditure. If expenditure is higher, you’re going to run out of money.

Helpful tips on budgeting

5 mobile app features to help manage your money

Adjusting to your new independence is a big part of the university experience, especially when it comes to your finances and making your money go further. Here are some handy features on our app that could help you save money and budget as a student.

Download the app

Don't leave home without it. The mobile app is packed with features to help you stay on top of your student finances. The ability to check your balance, move money and handle your finances on the go.

  1. On your mobile or tablet, go to the App Store if using Apple or Google Play if using Android
  2. Search for 'Royal Bank of Scotland'
  3. Tap to download the app 


App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. 

Get the app

Don't leave home without it. The mobile app is packed with features to help you stay on top of your student finances. The ability to check your balance, move money and handle your finances on the go.

Get the app

Don't leave home without it. The mobile app is packed with features to help you stay on top of your student finances. The ability to check your balance, move money and handle your finances on the go.

Ready to pay off your student loan?

Check out our guide to paying back your student loan. We have the answers to some of the most common questions around when you start repaying your loan and how much. 

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