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A parent's and carer's guide to fees and funding

Going to university is a big financial commitment and we understand that the costs involved are one of the most common concerns that parents and carers have. Tuition fees and help with living costs are covered by student loans. Other sources of financial support may also be available.

Student loans

The government provides student loans to cover tuition fees and some living expenses. Your student will apply for these through the Student Loans Company (SLC). The student loan is made up of:

A tuition fees loan

No fees are payable up front by any student. All first-time undergraduate students are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 per year. This is paid directly by the Student Loans Company to the University.

A maintenance loan

This loan is available to full-time students to help cover costs with living expenses. All students are eligible for a loan - the amount varies depending on household income.

Learn about important facts about student finance

See the most up-to-date information about student loans and other financial support.

Applying for the loan

If your student is applying for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan that depends on your household income, they’ll be asked to enter your email address in their application. The Student Loans Company will then send you detailed instructions on what you need to do.

If they are applying for the tuition fee loan and the basic maintenance loan you won’t have to do anything as they will complete the application with their own details.

Repaying the loan

Students won’t have to repay their student loan until they’ve left university and their income is over £27,295 a year. They’ll then repay 9% of any income over this amount, deducted automatically from their salary through the tax system.

If their income drops below £27,295, repayments will stop. Any debt remaining after 30 years is written off. Unlike credit card or loan debt, student loans do not go onto credit files.

The Student Finance calculator helps provide an estimate of the financial support that students may be eligible for: www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator

Bursary schemes and scholarships

Your student may also be eligible for extra financial help through a bursary or scholarship. These do not have to be paid back. At Oxford Brookes, these include the Oxford Brookes Bursary Scheme, a bursary for young people leaving care, and sports and community scholarships. Some financial support is also available to enrolled students if they are unexpectedly facing severe financial difficulties.

Find out more about our bursaries, scholarships and financial support

Bursaries and scholarships and financial support do not have to be paid back.

NHS Learning Support Fund

Degree students (excluding social work students) are eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides extra funding for healthcare students with travel and dual accommodation expenses, a parental allowance and an exceptional support fund.

All nursing students will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. This grant is part of the NHS Learning Support Fund for healthcare students.

Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund

Budgeting

 The average student spends in the region of £11,400 to £18,720 a year on living expenses. See our information on living costs. 

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Open Days and Applicant Days

Open Days and Applicant Days

Find out more about funding and the financial support available by coming to one of our Open Days or Applicant Days where you can attend dedicated talks and meet staff from our Student Finance Team.

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Ten important facts about student finance

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