Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans in England

One way of financing your Open University studies is by taking out a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (also known as a student loan). This is by far the most popular way of financing Open University studies. Currently, almost 80% of our new students in England are paying their fees with a loan.

What is a Tuition Fee Loan?

The loan is:

• awarded by Student Finance England, and you must apply through them.
• available for undergraduate qualifications that are at a higher level than any qualifications you have already.*
• not means tested, so you'll be eligible to apply regardless of your income. There's no upper age limit, and you can apply whether you have a job or not.

If your application is successful, Student Finance England pays your course fees, and you pay them back later in affordable monthly instalments once you're earning over a certain amount (currently £26,575). The repayments will be linked to your income to ensure they’re affordable (for example, if you earn £28,000, you'll pay just £10.68 per month).

Please note, you'll be charged interest on your loan from the day Student Finance England makes the first payment to us.

*You may be eligible for a part-time loan for some qualifications, even if you already have a degree. Find out more about loans if you already have a degree.

How to apply

First, register with us for the qualification you'd like to study. Choose your modules and tell us you'll be applying for a loan. Then, apply for a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan starting in the 2020/21 academic year online via Student Finance England (you’ll apply for a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan even if you plan to study at a full-time rate of 120 credits or more).

You'll have to set up a Student Finance online account, but this is quick and easy to do. The application process should take about 15 minutes, and you'll need to give details about your proof of residency and identity. It will be helpful to have your passport details and National Insurance number to hand.

It can take Student Finance England up to eight weeks to finalise applications, so apply as early as possible to ensure your finances are in place in time to start your course.

Learn more with our step-by-step guide to applying for the Tuition Fee Loan.