A Complete Guide to Student Finance Wales (SFW) – 2025/26
Student Finance Wales (SFW) provides funding to Welsh students studying at universities in Wales, England, Scotland or Northern Ireland. This includes tuition fee loans, maintenance grants and loans to help with living costs. Below is a step-by-step guide covering eligibility, required forms and key deadlines.
1. Check Your Eligibility
To apply for Student Finance Wales, you must meet these conditions:
- Residency: You must have lived in Wales for at least three years before your course starts.
- Nationality: You must be a UK national or have settled status. Some EU, EEA and Swiss nationals may also qualify for tuition fee support.
- Course Type: Your course must be full-time or part-time at an approved UK university or college.
- Previous Study: Generally, funding is only available for your first undergraduate degree.
2. Tuition Fees – How Much Can You Get?
Studying in Wales, England, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Tuition fees are up to £9,250 per year.
- You can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the full amount.
- The loan is paid directly to your university.
Studying at a Private Institution
- Some private universities charge higher tuition fees.
- SFW will provide a loan of up to £6,165, but you will need to cover the rest yourself.
3. Living Cost Support – Grants and Loans
Unlike in England, Welsh students receive a non-repayable grant to help with living costs, reducing the amount they need to borrow.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount you receive depends on household income and where you live while studying.
| Household Income | Grant (Free Money) | Loan (Repayable) | Total Support (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| £0 – £18,370 | £8,100 | £3,800 | £11,900 |
| £25,000 | £6,947 | £4,953 | £11,900 |
| £35,000 | £5,208 | £6,692 | £11,900 |
| £45,000 | £3,469 | £8,431 | £11,900 |
| £59,200+ | £1,000 | £10,900 | £11,900 |
Where You Live Affects Your Support
| Living Situation | Total Support (Max) |
|---|---|
| Living at home | Up to £10,720 |
| Living away from home (outside London) | Up to £12,150 |
| Living in London | Up to £14,635 |
Key Features of Welsh Student Finance
- Everyone gets at least £1,000 as a grant – even high earners.
- Lower-income students get more grant money, reducing the amount they need to borrow.
- The loan and grant are paid into your bank account in three instalments per year.
4. Extra Grants & Support
SFW offers additional financial support based on circumstances:
- Parents’ Learning Allowance: Up to £1,915 for students with children.
- Childcare Grant: Up to £9,120 per year for childcare costs.
- Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): Extra funding for students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
- Carers’ Grant: Available for students who are carers for a family member.
5. How to Apply for Student Finance Wales
Online Application (Recommended)
- Apply via the Student Finance Wales website: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.
- You must apply each academic year for continued funding.
Paper Applications (If Necessary)
If you cannot apply online, request a paper application form (PN1 for new students, PR1 for returning students).
6. Required Documents
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to submit:
- Proof of Identity: UK passport number or birth certificate (for first-time applicants).
- Household Income Details: If applying for means-tested grants, your parents, partner or spouse will need to submit financial information.
- Supporting Documents for Extra Grants: If applying for childcare grants or DSA, additional paperwork may be needed.
Documents can be uploaded online through your Student Finance Wales account.
7. Application Deadlines
- Apply by 31 May 2025 – To ensure your funding arrives before your course starts.
- Final deadline: 9 months after course start – You can still apply, but payments may be delayed.
Tip: Apply as early as possible, even if you don’t have a confirmed university place. You can update details later.
8. How Payments Work
- Tuition Fee Loans – Paid directly to your university.
- Grants & Maintenance Loans – Paid into your bank account in three instalments (September, January and April).
9. Repaying Your Loan
- Repayments start when you earn over £27,295 per year.
- You pay 9% of your income above this threshold.
- After 30 years, any remaining debt is written off.
| Salary | Monthly Repayment |
|---|---|
| £27,295 | £0 |
| £30,000 | £20.25 |
| £40,000 | £95.25 |
| £50,000 | £170.25 |
If you never earn above £27,295, you never repay anything.
10. Studying in Wales vs the rest of the UK
If you’re a Welsh student studying in Wales, the system provides a mix of grants and loans. If you study elsewhere in the UK, you still qualify for tuition fee support, but your maintenance support follows the same rules.
| Feature | Studying in Wales | Studying in UK |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,250 |
| Tuition Loan | Covers full cost | Covers full cost |
| Maintenance Grant | Up to £8,100 | Up to £8,100 |
| Maintenance Loan | Up to £11,150 | Up to £11,150 |
| Repayment Start | £27,295 per year | £27,295 per year |
| Debt Write-off | After 30 years | After 30 years |
Student Finance Wales offers one of the most generous student funding systems in the UK, with grants covering a significant portion of living costs. All students receive at least £1,000 in non-repayable support, and those from low-income households can receive up to £8,100 in grants.
To avoid delays, apply before 31 May 2025 at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.