Master’s Loan (Student Finance England)
A UK government-backed Master’s Loan form Student Finance England (SFE) is a practical way to fund your postgraduate studies.
Loan Details
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2025, you can apply for up to £12,858. This exceeds the LSI tuition fees for master's programmes, which are £9,900 for the 2026/27 academic year. Because the maximum loan amount typically exceeds this, most students can cover their full tuition fees with funds remaining to help with living costs.
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Not Means-Tested: Your income or savings do not affect how much you receive.
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Paid Directly to You: Payments are deposited into your bank account to be used for tuition or living expenses as you see fit.
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Equal Installments: The loan is paid to you in three installments per academic year (roughly 33%, 33%, and 34%).
How it Works by Study Mode
The total loan amount is the same regardless of your pace, but the payment schedule adjusts based on the duration of your course:
| Full-Time (12 Months) | Part-Time (24 Months) | |
| Course Load | 180 credits in 1 year | 90 credits per year |
| Loan Payout | Total amount paid in Year 1 | Total amount split 50/50 over 2 years |
| Payment Frequency | 3 installments over 1 year | 3 installments per year (6 total) |
Eligibility Criteria
Student Finance England determines final eligibility. The general requirements are:
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Residency: You must normally live in England and have lived in the UK for the three years prior to the course start date.
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Previous Study: You must not already hold a Master’s degree (or higher) or have previously received a Master’s Loan.
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Age: You must be under 60 on the first day of your first academic year.
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Course Status: The course must be a standalone 180-credit Master’s degree.
Repayment
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Threshold-Based: You only begin repaying once you have finished your course and your income exceeds the government repayment threshold.
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Automated: Repayments are collected automatically through the UK tax system (PAYE).
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Interest: Interest is applied from the date you receive your first payment.
For full details and to start your application, visit the official Student Finance England website.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or a specific learning difference, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) through Student Finance England.
For the 2025/26 academic year, the maximum DSA for eligible postgraduate students in England is £27,783. This figure is reviewed annually by the government.
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DSA is not means-tested
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It does not need to be repaid
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It can help with specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, study-related software, mentoring support, study-skills support, or disability-related travel costs
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Students receive support based on individually assessed need
To apply, students normally:
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Complete the DSA application form through their Student Finance England account
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Provide medical or diagnostic evidence
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Attend a study-needs assessment at an approved centre
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Receive a DSA support plan outlining recommended adjustments and funding
LSI’s Student Success Team supports this process in line with our values of inclusion, equity and holistic student support. Please email support@lsi.ac.uk for further information.