Finance and Money
How to pay for university, get extra funding and money management advice
This is your hub for understanding how much university costs, how to pay for it, what funding you could be eligible for, money tips and more. This page is mainly for students based in England studying their first degree (undergraduate) or module at university level.
How does university funding work?
If you live in England and have home student status, you may be able to get a government-backed loan to pay
for your tuition fees and day-to-day costs. This is called student finance. Through student finance you will get a
tuition fee loan which is paid straight to the university, and a maintenance loan which is paid to you to cover
accommodation, transport, and other living costs.
If your home is in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man you’ll need to apply through your local funding process. Check your eligibility based on where you live on the government website.
You can also choose to self-fund if you have savings, get sponsored by an employer or organisation, or apply for a course funded through the Ministry of Defence (MOD), or NHS (National Health Service).
Choose your route
Undergraduate funding
I‘m still studying at school or college, or have recently finished, and am looking at courses or modules that start after 1 January 2027.
Undergraduate funding guidance
Postgraduate funding
I have studied an undergraduate degree and am interested in how to fund postgraduate study e.g. Master’s degree.
Flexible funding
I’m an adult learner interested in flexible study I can fit around my life and commitments. I want to upskill or retrain in a priority skill.
How student finance works in England is changing
Up until 1 January 2027, funding applications were submitted through Student Finance England (SFE). If you started your degree in September 2026 or earlier, you need to keep reapplying using this process.
If you are applying for a eligible course, or module, that starts after 1 January 2027 you will use the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). This does NOT apply to the majority of postgraduate courses, see postgraduate guidance for more information.
Lifelong Learning Entitlement
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) FAQs
What is LLE? Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is the new student finance system in England. It replaces the current system and gives you a flexible pot of funding you can use over your lifetime for full courses or modules.
Want to pay your tuition fees yourself?
If you don’t want to take out a loan through the student finance system, you’ll need to pay your tuition fees directly to us. We provide a flexible range of secure payment options, so that everyone has a payment method to suit them. Your tuition fee can either be paid in full, prior to, or upon enrolment, or spread over three set instalments. Alternative student finance for Muslim students is under development.
Self-funding information for home/UK students
Information for Home/UK students
Self-funding information for overseas students
Information for overseas studentsScholarships
We want all our students to achieve their full potential. With our scholarships, you could receive extra funding and support to kick start your BCU journey.
NHS and Ministry of Defence funded courses
NHS funded courses
Nursing, midwifery and most allied health profession students can access student loans, and there is an additional government grant for some healthcare students.
More information
MOD ELC Scheme
The Ministry of Defence ELC scheme entitles service personnel and service leavers to receive financial help with the cost of their learning.
More informationStudent living costs
BCU Boost
BCU Boost is a unique financial support package including travel incentives, helpful tips for managing your finances, access to professional financial support, and discounts on food and drink across our campuses.
Discover BCU Boost
How much does it cost to be a student?
Being a student can be a big change - you'll have to manage your own finances and this can be tough at first. We have some top tips to help you manage your money.
Living costsMore finance help and information
Finance support
If you do struggle with money at university, we'll be there to help. Whether you’re a commuter student, have childcare responsibilities or are just concerned about making ends meet, we're here to support you with your finances.
What financial support is available?Continuing students
If you're already a student here and want to check your fees, then head to our continuing students page.
Information for BCU studentsSpending
See a breakdown of how we invest our income to benefit students and our city.
How we spend our moneyA-Z of Finance
You might encounter some terms you're not familiar with in your attempt to prepare for uni. Here's an A - Z of student finance, funding and money matters providing useful definitions, information and answers to some common questions.
Finance terms explainedFAQs
If you still have some more questions about Student Finance, our FAQs can help answer them. You can also read our FAQs for Student Finance England.
Frequently asked questionsPlanning to start university this September?
Find your place in Clearing.