Loans for students

As a student, it can be tough to get by when unexpected costs pop up. Thankfully, there are various options available to you that can give a helping hand.

Compare loans for students

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Name Product Ratings Customer rating Finder score Total Payable Monthly Repayment Representative APR Link
Novuna Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 7.4% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 7.4% and total payable £11,142.00 in monthly repayments of £309.50.
My Community Bank Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £5,000 over 48 months at a rate of 23.3% pa (fixed). Representative APR 27.1% and total payable £7,854.94 in monthly repayments of £163.64.
Barclays Existing Current Account Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 5.8% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 5.8% and total payable £10,895.04 in monthly repayments of £302.64.
118 118 Money Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £2,000.00 over 2 years at a rate of 49.9% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 49.9% and total payable £2,967.36 in monthly repayments of £123.64.
Toot Loans Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
{{ DESCRIPTIONS.REPRESENTATIVE_EXAMPLE }}
Plend personal loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £8,000 over 48 months at a rate of 16.66% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 17.99% and total payable £11,013.12 in monthly repayments of £229.44.
Tesco Bank Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 6.5% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 6.5% and total payable £11,003.04 in monthly repayments of £305.64.
Bamboo Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 49.9% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 49.9% and total payable £17,566.20 in monthly repayments of £487.95.
Salad Money personal loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £1,000 over 18 months at a rate of 59.97% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 79.5% and total payable £1551.12 in 17 monthly payments of £86.37 and a final payment of £82.83.
Lendable Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative Example: Assumed borrowing of £7,500.00 over 36 months at 31.6% APR representative. Monthly cost of £309.32. Total amount repayable of £11,135.56. Interest rate of 27.1% p.a.(fixed) and total fees of £360.00.
Fluent Money Secured Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Fluent Money is a broker, not a direct lender, the Representative APR is subject to the specific lender.
Tesco Bank Clubcard Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 6.1% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 6.1% and total payable £10,941.12 in monthly repayments of £303.92.
Munzee Loans Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: if you borrow £3,000 over 24 months at a flat rate of 28.32% per annum (fixed) with a representative 59.2% APR you will make 24 monthly payments of £198.80, repaying £4,699.20 in total
Lendwise
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Zopa Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £1,500.00 over 3 years at a rate of 22.9% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 22.9% and total payable £2,028.60 in monthly repayments of £56.35.
Abound Personal Loan (formerly Fintern)
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: £2,000 loan repayable over 36 months. 36 monthly payments of £77.60. Rate of interest 20.2% p.a. (fixed). Representative 25.8% APR. Total amount repayable £2,793.60.
Everyday Loans Loan for Bad Credit
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £3,000 over 2 years at a rate of 71.3% (fixed). Representative APR 99.9% and total payable £5,706 in monthly repayments of £237.75.
Lloyds Bank Existing Customer Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 6.7% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 6.7% and total payable £11,034.00 in monthly repayments of £306.50.
Finio Loans Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Borrow £10,000.00 over 3 years at a rate of 39.9% p.a. (fixed). Representative APR 39.9% and total payable £16,091.64 in monthly repayments of £446.99.
Fluro (formerly Lending Works) Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Check eligibility
View details
Representative example: Assumed borrowing of £7,500.00 over 48 months at 17.9% APR representative. Monthly cost of £214.79. Total amount repayable of £10,309.78. Interest rate of 16.6% p.a.(fixed) and total fees of £150.00. Available for loan amounts between £5,000 - £25,000.
thinkmoney Personal Loan
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
View details
Representative example: If you borrow £29,100 over 12 years, initially on a fixed rate for 5 years at 8.885% and for the remaining 7 years on the Lender's standard variable rate of 9.285%, you would make 60 monthly payments of £375.53 and 84 monthly payments of £380.29.
loading

Please note: You should always refer to your loan agreement for exact repayment amounts as they may vary from our results.

Late repayments can cause you serious money problems. See our debt help guides.

What is a student loan?

While the term “student loans” is generally used to mean the government-supported finance offered to students in the UK, it can also refer to any private personal loans or other forms of credit that students are eligible for.

Government-supported student finance explained

Loans jargon explained

  • APR. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an indicator of the annual overall cost of a loan. This includes the interest rate, as well as any compulsory fees. However, keep in mind that lenders only need to give the advertised APR to 51% of those who take out the loan, and the remaining 49% could get a higher rate.
  • Interest rate. This is the percentage amount of interest you’ll be charged on your loan, and can be offered as either a fixed or variable rate. A fixed interest rate remains the same throughout the loan, while a variable rate can go up and down.
  • Unsecured loan. A type of personal loan that does not require you to use an asset (such as a house) as collateral.

Types of loans for students

If you’re a student, chances are you’re used to operating on a shoestring budget even if you have a part-time job. This means your bank account balance may end up looking a bit grim if any unexpected costs come up during your studies. When you find yourself short of funds, one option is to borrow money from friends or family to avoid having to pay interest. But if the Bank of Mum and Dad is closed and you still need money, you might want to consider the following alternatives.

Private student loans

Private student loans are those taken out with a lender or loan provider, and not offered through the government. They are generally unsecured personal loans, which let you borrow an agreed amount and then repay it over a fixed term, usually 1-7 years. Private student loans can be used to cover the cost of tuition and student fees, as well as any other expenses you may have, such as accommodation, food and other living costs.

Student credit cards

While most credit cards will be off limits to the majority of students due to their limited credit history and low income, these targeted cards are easier to get approved for. Expect a wide range of interest rates across the cards on the market, with some offering 0% interest on purchases for a set period before ramping up the rate later on.

The best strategy with student credit cards is to use them and pay off your balance as soon as possible afterwards – do this every month and you shouldn’t be charged interest, even if it’s not a 0% card. Don’t use it to withdraw cash, as then you’ll start paying interest immediately and incur fees.

Credit-builder credit cards

Designed as a “stepping stone” product for borrowers with a poor or limited credit history, these credit cards don’t come with a 0% introductory period, and generally have a high interest rate. However, as the name suggests, these cards can help build your credit rating, which may make you more likely to be approved for another credit card or personal loan in future.

Getting a personal loan as a student

Taking out a traditional personal loan as a student requires careful consideration. Some lenders will not consider applications from students, and those that do will likely want you to have a strong credit rating. Lenders want to be sure that you’re likely to be able to repay your loan, and this may be hard to prove if you have no real credit history or a stable source of income.

More importantly, if you are approved for a personal loan, you’ll need to make sure that you can definitely afford your loan repayments.

Guarantor loans

With a guarantor loan, a friend or relative promises to step in if you fail to keep up with your repayments. These loans are offered by specialist lenders, and typically come with a high rate of interest. Again, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’ll be able to afford your repayments.

Short-term student loans

Payday loans and short-term, high-cost instalment loans can be relatively easy to be approved for, but have an eye-wateringly high rate attached – up to 0.8% per day. As such, they should only be considered as a last resort. Some lenders, such as Smart-Pig, target students specifically, focusing on your next student loan instalment, rather than your next payday.

What is the cheapest student loan?

This will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of loan you have. Government student loans have standardised interest rates, but these vary based on when you studied, and can also be changed retroactively. Personal loans offer different rates depending on the lender, as well as things like the size and term of your loan, and your credit history. You can compare student personal loans here.

Image of two people with caption 'the average annual living costs for a student in UK

What are my other student finance options?

  • Hardship funds. Some universities or colleges set up hardship funds. Each fund will have its own eligibility criteria, and a finite amount of money available – in other words, when the money’s gone, it’s gone, no matter how eligible you are! In some cases the funds don’t need to be paid back, but in other cases funds are issued as a loan (generally at very favourable rates). Contact your university’s student services department to find out more.
  • Payment plans. If you owe a large amount of money to a utility provider, such as a gas or water company, most will allow you to set up a payment plan to ensure the bill gets paid. Always get in touch with the utility provider before you miss a deadline for payment, or you could damage your credit record.
  • Overdrafts. Many student bank accounts come with a generous interest-free overdraft to help you through any financial hardship. Bear in mind, though, that the interest charges really sting if you stray into unarranged overdraft territory, or after your educational spell ends.

How to choose the right loan as a student

  1. Calculate how much you need to borrow. Work out a budget of your average living costs, and how much you can afford to repay.
  2. Use our table to search for loans for the amount you want to borrow. You can sort loans based on the lowest rate.
  3. Find the loan that’s right for you. Look for a loan that offers affordable repayments, and flexible terms.
  4. Check your eligibility. Make sure you meet the specific lender’s criteria, including things like minimum income.
  5. Apply for the loan.

What are the best loans for students?

Like with any loan, the best student loan will be the one that offers the most competitive interest rate and repayment terms. While government student loans may offer favourable repayment terms, these loans are not available to everyone. You may find you’re able to secure a student loan with a lower rate elsewhere.

You can read our list of the best tips to keep in mind when comparing student loans below.

Personal loan cost comparison

Loan amount: £3,000

  • Loan term: 4 years
  • Interest rate: 10%
  • Monthly repayment: £75
  • Total interest: £622

Loan amount: £3,000

  • Loan term: 4 years
  • Interest rate: 24%
  • Monthly repayment: £94
  • Total interest: £1,514

Will I be eligible for a student loan?

All lenders will put applicants through both a search with a credit reference agency (CRA) and their own internal affordability and risk assessments. As a student, you may have a very limited credit history – especially if you’ve gone straight from school into higher education, and/or a lower income.

Your circumstances may also be considered more changeable (and therefore more risky) to a lender, and realistically it can be harder for you to get access to traditional credit. The good news, however, is that many of the options above are specifically tailored to people in your situation.

Always check the eligibility criteria of the specific product you are considering before applying – as well as wasting your time, multiple applications for credit in a short space of time can damage your credit score. Most lenders now offer a “soft search” facility, where would-be borrowers can check their likelihood of being approved for a loan or credit card before submitting a full application, and without affecting their credit record.

Can I get a loan as a student with bad credit?

While there is no guarantee that you’ll be rejected, it may be difficult to get approved for a personal loan if you’re a student with bad credit, especially if you aren’t earning an income. If you’re young and have a bad credit score, the lender may consider you to be too high a risk when it comes to repaying your loan. If you want to check if you’ll be able to get a loan with bad credit, you can find out your loan options here.

If you find that you won’t be able to get a personal loan with your credit rating, you may want to apply for a payday loan. Short-term lenders do not place the same importance on credit score, and are therefore more likely to approve you for a loan.

However, payday loans should only be considered as a last resort, and failing to repay a short-term loan can cause financial stress. It will generally be a better idea to try and improve your credit score and then apply for a regular personal loan.

How to build a good credit record

You may not have realised that you can improve your credit record by getting on the local electoral roll, and by setting up a current account with a few direct debits. If you can put a little into savings each month, even better, although that’s simply not possible for many students.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to keep up with any bill payments and not dip into an unauthorised overdraft. Such actions will remain on your credit record for a number of years.

Dos and don’ts of loans for students

Do:

  • Compare options to get the most affordable form of credit you can get your hands on
  • Check your credit report to see what you’re likely to be approved for
  • Pay any loans back on time
  • Seek assistance from student services

Don’t:

  • Borrow more than you can afford to pay back
  • Borrow money for non-essential items
  • Make multiple applications for credit in a short time
  • Regularly rely on short-term loans to fund your lifestyle

The bottom line

Always try all the 0% interest options first when you’re looking to borrow money. These could be loans from friends and family, a hardship fund, an arranged student overdraft or a student credit card. With the latter two options, the interest will eventually ramp up, so it’s best to pay it back before that point.

Only when all of these options are exhausted is it time to consider high-interest options such as credit-builder credit cards or personal loans. In this situation, it’s useful to compare the amount of interest you’ll owe, while also considering what form of credit you’re likely to be considered for.

With all these options available, a short-term financial shortfall shouldn’t be the end of the world for you. By searching for the best loan option and paying your debt on time, you’ll hopefully be back on your feet in no time.

Popular Reads

How student loans work: Student finance explained

How student loans work: Student finance explained

Discover whether you’re eligible for student finance, how much money you might get and how the repayments work with our ultimate guide to student finance.

Read more…
Loans for international students

Loans for international students

Discover the most reliable means for migrants and international students to borrow money in the UK

Read more…
Do student loans affect your credit score?

Do student loans affect your credit score?

If you’re planning to apply for a personal loan, credit card or mortgage, find out how student loan debt could affect your ability to be approved.

Read more…
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

More guides on Finder

Go to site