Student Loan Repayments 2026/27 Explained
Which Plan am I on?
Repayments depend on when you started your course and where you lived:
- Plan 1: Started before 1 Sept 2012 (England/Wales) OR any time (Northern Ireland).
- Plan 2: Started between 1 Sept 2012 and 31 July 2023 (England/Wales).
- Plan 4: Scottish students (any start date).
- Plan 5: Undergraduate courses starting from August 2023 in England. Repayments apply from April 2026 once income is over £25,000.
- Postgraduate: Master's or Doctoral courses (England/Wales).
Repayment Thresholds for 2026/27
| Plan | Annual Threshold | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | £26,900 | 9% |
| Plan 2 | £29,385 | 9% |
| Plan 4 | £33,795 | 9% |
| Plan 5 | £25,000 | 9% |
| Postgraduate | £21,000 | 6% |
Note: You only pay the percentage rate on the amount you earn above the threshold.
How it works
Student loan repayments are calculated on your Gross Income (before tax and pension). They are deducted automatically via PAYE alongside Tax and NI. If you have a Postgraduate loan AND a Plan 2 loan, you pay both (total 15% above respective thresholds).