Understand Your Student Loan Repayments
Free, accurate calculators for every UK student loan plan
Confused about how much you owe, how much you repay each month, or when your student loan gets written off? You're not alone. The UK student loan system is one of the most misunderstood financial products in the country — and it works nothing like a normal loan. Our free calculators are built specifically for UK students and graduates. Whether you're on Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 4, Plan 5, or a Postgraduate loan, enter your salary and we'll show you exactly what you'll repay — and when (if ever) your balance disappears.
How UK Student Loan Repayments Work
Your student loan repayments are calculated as a percentage of your income above a threshold — not on your total loan balance. This is a crucial difference from a mortgage or personal loan. You only repay when you earn above the threshold for your plan. If your income drops below that threshold — due to job loss, part-time work, or career breaks — your repayments pause automatically. You never need to contact anyone or apply for a pause. Interest accrues on your balance throughout — but for most graduates, the loan will be written off before it's fully repaid. That means many people pay back far less than they borrowed, while others on higher salaries pay back significantly more. Use our calculators to see exactly where you fall.
Income-Based Only
You only repay when you earn above your plan's threshold. Below it, repayments stop automatically. No application needed.
9% Above the Threshold
Most plans charge 9% of income above the threshold (6% for Postgraduate). Your total loan balance does not change this.
Written Off Eventually
Every plan has a write-off date — 25, 30, or 40 years after graduation — when any remaining balance is cancelled entirely.
Choose Your Loan Plan
Not sure which plan you're on? Check your payslip — it will say Student Loan Plan 1, Plan 2, etc. Or log in to your Student Loans Company account at slc.co.uk. If you started in Wales from 2012, Scotland from 2006, or Northern Ireland, see the relevant plan below.
Plan 1 Calculator
Who: England or Wales before September 2012 / Scotland or Northern Ireland before 2006
Plan 2 Calculator
Who: England, September 2012 to July 2023
Plan 4 (Scotland) Calculator
Who: Scottish graduates from 2006/07 onwards
Plan 5 Calculator
Who: England, August 2023 onwards
Postgraduate Calculator
Who: Master's or Doctoral loan (England)
Latest Guides & Articles
Understanding your student loan shouldn't require a finance degree.
Which Student Loan Plan Am I On?
There are now five different UK student loan plans and knowing which one you're on affects how much you repay, your interest rate, and when your loan is written off.
When Is Your Student Loan Written Off?
Most UK graduates will never fully repay their student loan. Find out exactly when your balance is cancelled — 25, 30, or 40 years depending on your plan.
Plan 2 vs Plan 5: Key Differences Explained
Plan 5 has a lower repayment threshold and a 40-year write-off — 10 years longer than Plan 2. Here's what that means for your total lifetime repayments.