Apply for a Masters Loan - The UK Application Guide

There are four different Masters loan schemes in the UK for each country: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you're eligible for a UK Masters loan, you'll need to apply to the scheme of the country where you're ordinarily resident. So, for example, if you've always lived in England but want to study a Masters in Scotland, you'd apply for the English postgraduate loan.

Getting ready to apply for a postgraduate loan? Got questions about what you'll need and when you'll need it? Not actually sure which loan to apply for? This page is here to help you go through the application process without any hassle.

In this guide, I've put together some general information on the application process and some specific tips and things to bear in mind for the different UK systems.

The English postgraduate loans were launched in 2016, making this the longest-running of the four UK schemes. Applications go through Student Finance England, using a similar system to undergraduate student finance.

How do I apply?

Apply online by logging in to the Student Finance England service, or by post, after downloading an application form.

When can I apply?

Applications for the following academic year usually open in May or June. Applications are currently open for courses beginning in 2024-25. Loans are also still available for students who began a Masters in 2022-23, provided you apply before the deadline. Speaking of which. . .

What's the postgraduate loan deadline?

You need to apply at least nine months from the start of your final year. So, if you're studying a one-year Masters that begins on 1 September 2024, you need to apply by 1 June 2025. Similarly, if you're studying a part-time, one-year Masters that begins on 1 September 2024 you'll have a deadline of 1 June 2026.

SFE aim to deal with most applications in four to six weeks. They may take longer if additional information and evidence is required.

What will I need?

You'll need to provide the following during your application for an English postgraduate loan:

• Your intended university and course details. You don't need to have applied or been accepted yet (and you can change your mind later) but you will need to select an eligible course from the SFE database as you apply.
• Details of your passport. If you don't have a passport you can send details of an equivalent document such as a birth certificate or adoption certificate.
• Your address history. The application system will need to confirm that you meet the residency criteria for an English postgraduate loan.
• Your bank details. You'll need a UK bank account to receive loan payments. If you don't have one yet you can provide this information later.

Some applications may also require other information and evidence in order to confirm your eligibility.

Scotland first launched its postgraduate loans in 2017 and applications are handled by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

How do I apply?

You should apply directly to SAAS using their online system. If you have a recent account with them (created since 2016-17) you should use this to apply. If not, you'll need to register for one.

When can I apply?

Now, if you’re studying a Masters in the 2024-25 academic year. Applications for Scottish postgraduate loans usually open in April / May for courses beginning in September.

What's the deadline for Masters loans in Scotland?

You'll need to apply by the end of 31 March 2025 for courses beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. The end of June is usually the best time to finish your application if you want your loan to be processed before you start a course in the autumn term.

What will I need?

You'll need to provide the following information when applying for a Scottish postgraduate loan:

• You should be able to select this from a list of suitable options. If you can't see the programme you want to study, check the eligibility criteria.
• Your personal details including your date of birth, nationality and NI number (if you have one). This information will be used to check your personal eligibility.
• Your residency history. This will confirm where you are ordinarily resident and where you have been living during the previous three years.
• The funding type(s) you are applying for. Scotland offers separate tuition fee and living-cost loans, which work slightly differently.
• Your bank details. You'll need a UK bank account if you're applying for a living-cost loan.

The application system will also ask for other information, including named contacts and details of where you will be living during your course.

Wales introduced its Masters loans in 2017, provided by Student Finance Wales (SFW). However, this system changed substantially in 2019 with the introduction of combined grants and loans for postgraduate study.

How do I apply?

You can apply by logging into your Student Finance Wales account, or by downloading an application form (PDF) to apply by post.

When can I apply?

Applications for Welsh postgraduate funding are open now for courses beginning in 2024-25.

If you began a Masters in a previous year, you can also apply (as long as the deadline hasn’t passed). However, you’ll only be able to apply for a loan through the previous postgraduate finance system, and not a combined loan / grant.

What's the deadline for postgraduate finance applications in Wales?

It's the same as England: you need to apply at least nine months from the start of your final year. So, if you're studying a one-year Masters that begins on 1 September 2024, apply by 1 June 2025.

What will I need?

Requirements for Welsh Masters funding are essentially the same as the English system. You'll need to give details of:

• Your course and university. You don't need to have applied or been accepted yet (and you can change your mind later) but you will need to select an eligible course as you apply.
• If you don't have a passport you can send details of an equivalent document such as a birth or adoption certificate.
• Your address history. The application system will need to confirm that you meet the residency criteria for Welsh postgraduate finance.
• Your bank details. You'll need a UK bank account to receive loan payments. If you don't have one yet you can provide this information later.
• Your National Insurance number (if you have one).

Some applications may also require other information and evidence in order to confirm your eligibility.

Northern Ireland introduced postgraduate loans in 2017, provided by Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI).

These loans only provide £6,500 for tuition fees, but, in many other ways, they're the most flexible of the four UK schemes.

How do I apply?

You can apply online at the SFNI website or by posting an application form (PDF).

When can I apply?

Applications for 2024-25 are open now. You can borrow up to £6,500 towards your postgraduate tuition fees (the same as in previous years).

What's the deadline?

You'll need to apply in each year of your course, within nine months of the start of the academic year. So, if your course begins on 1 September 2024, you need to apply by 1 June 2025. This is the same as the Masters loans for England and Wales.

What will I need?

You'll need to provide the following information with your application:

• Your course and university details – most Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters courses are eligible, and you should be able to find yours in the SFNI database
• Details of your tuition fee amount (you can't borrow any more than this)
• Your personal information, including your nationality, residency status and address
• Your bank details – you'll need a UK account to receive loan payments

You may also be asked to give some other details, including providing the address of a named contact and confirming whether you want your loan amount to be adjustable later in your course.

Research and find resources. That's it. That's the tip. Well, I can expand a little.

FindAMasters resources are your best friend when it comes to Masters loan information. We have dedicated guides for Masters funding in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Aside from using our detailed resources to help you out, I'd recommend checking out Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland and Student Finance NI for even more information on country-specific Masters loans.