Student Finance Calculator · 2026/27
Student Finance Calculator — London 2026/27
London students get the highest maintenance loan rates SFE offers, and for good reason — rent alone can eat half a loan instalment before anything else is paid. If you're heading to a London university for 2026/27, the numbers below use the higher London maintenance loan bracket, which tops out at £13,348 a year for household incomes of £25,000 or under. The gap between that and a typical outside-London loan is meant to cover the extra cost of living, but it rarely stretches as far as it sounds once rent, travel zones, and the general cost of doing anything in the capital are factored in. Use the estimator to get a feel for your annual figure, then move to the budget builder to see what's actually left each week once London rent is accounted for.
These are estimates based on official SFE rates for 2026/27 — not financial advice. Actual loan amounts may vary. Check gov.uk/student-finance for your official figure.
Phase 1 · Estimator
Don't know your loan yet? Estimate it.
Based on household income and where you'll be living for 2026/27.
Estimated annual loan
£10,227
Drops into your account 3 times a year.
That's £249 above the average student maintenance loan in the UK.
These are estimates based on official SFE rates for 2026/27. Actual loan amounts may vary. Check gov.uk/student-finance for your official figure.
Phase 2 · Reality check
Build your real budget.
Drag any category to rebalance — the rest adjusts automatically.
£950/month — Zuro's average for student rent in London.
These are estimates, not financial advice. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the maximum maintenance loan for London students in 2026/27?
£13,348 a year for students living away from home in London with a household income of £25,000 or under, tapering down to £4,415 at £70,000+ household income.
Is London rent covered by the maintenance loan?
Not fully for most students. Average student rent in London runs close to £950/month, which is a large share of even the maximum London loan once split across the year — this is exactly what the budget builder above is for.
Do I automatically get the London rate if my uni is in London?
Yes — the higher London maintenance loan rate applies if you're studying at a London institution and living away from your parents' home, regardless of which zone your accommodation is in.
Should I live in halls or private rent in London?
Halls are usually easier to budget for since bills are often included, but private renting with flatmates can be cheaper per person in outer zones. Try both in the budget builder to compare.
How many times a year does the loan get paid?
Three instalments a year, roughly aligned with the start of each term (typically September/October, January, and April).