Postgraduate loans
A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course / programme fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s programme.
Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Students in England
If your course starts on or after 1 August 2022 you can get up to £11,836 for your whole course. If you’re studying for 2, 3 or 4 academic years, the loan will be divided equally across each year of your programme. The loan will be paid in 3 instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. You get the first payment after your programme start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.
If your course started in academic year 2021/2 you can get up to £11,570.
All of our master's programmes (apart from the Masters in Professional Accountancy) are eligible. Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas are not eligible.
How it works:
- Apply for your master's programme via our programme pages.
- Apply for your loan - enter the University of London (Worldwide) on the application. After your application has been approved, you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates.
- Register with us by paying for at least one module and relevant registration fees for your master’s programme. This also applies if you are starting your second year of study.
- We confirm your eligibility with Student Finance, which pays the loan either to you (England and Wales) or to the university (Northern Ireland).
- You will need to budget accordingly to ensure that you meet University’s payment deadlines. This is regardless of when you receive your loan instalments.
- You will be due to start making loan repayments the April after your last loan payment is made to you
Key facts:
- Distance learning master's programmes (full-time and part-time) are eligible for loans.
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are not eligible (England and Wales.
- Part-time students must study at an average intensity of 50% of a full-time programme.
- The loans are not means-tested.
- Students must be under the age of 60 at the point of applying.
- Applicants must not hold a master's level programme or equivalent (even from overseas).
- Applicants will not be eligible if they have outstanding student loan arrears.
You can learn more about Postgraduate Loans at the Student Room.
More information
Frequently asked questions
I started my programme in previous year, can I apply for a postgraduate loan?
You can apply now for programmes that start or started in the following academic years:
- 2022 to 2023
- 2021 to 2022
When will I receive my loan?
Students in England and Wales: you receive your loan after you register with us and pay for at least one module. It will be paid to you directly in instalments over the duration of your programme (up to a maximum of four years). Students in Northern Ireland: your loan is paid directly to the university.
I've decided to transfer programmes. Do I need to inform the Student Loans Company?
Yes. You will need to notify the University and the SLC. If necessary, we will submit a Change of Circumstances request confirming these changes.
What happens if I withdraw from the programme?
You must notify us as soon as you decide to withdraw. Your fees are still payable except if you withdraw within the 14-day cancellation period as defined in the Terms and Conditions. We will notify Student Finance.
How long do I have to finish my master's?
You must complete your studies within the length specified for your programme on the online application. If you are studying full time, you will be expected to complete the course within the minimum time possible. If you are studying part-time, your study 'intensity' must average 50% of a full-time programme.
How much does the loan cost and how does repayment work?
Please refer to the GOV.UK website.
