UK STUDENT FINANCE · 2026/27 · FREE TOOL
What will your student loan cost each payday?
See how much could be taken from your pay before it reaches your bank account. Choose your student loan plan, add a postgraduate loan if relevant, and get an instant estimate.
Calculate my repaymentsImportant: This is an indicative UK PAYE calculation, not a payslip, tax calculation or Student Loans Company statement. It assumes your repayment obligation has already started and you have regular NI-assessable earnings. It excludes income tax and National Insurance deductions and does not predict when your loan will be cleared.
01 / Your details
Calculate your deduction
Use your regular gross earnings subject to National Insurance. This can differ from contractual salary where salary sacrifice applies.
02 / Your estimate
Your student loan repayment
Estimated deduction per month
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Select your actual loan plan and enter your gross earnings to see an estimate.
Student loan deductions are calculated separately each payday and rounded down to whole pounds. The annual figure assumes 12 equal monthly or 52 equal weekly pay periods. Bonuses, salary sacrifice, multiple jobs and loan start or stop dates can change the result.
THE RULES / 2026–27
Student loan repayment thresholds in the UK
These HMRC thresholds apply from 6 April 2026. You repay a percentage of earnings above the relevant threshold, not your entire salary.
| Loan type | Annual threshold | Repayment rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | £26,900 | 9% |
| Plan 2 | £29,385 | 9% |
| Plan 4 | £33,795 | 9% |
| Plan 5 | £25,000 | 9% |
| Postgraduate Loan | £21,000 | 6% |
Source: HMRC, Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027. GOV.UK student loan repayment guidance.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
What if you earn £30,000?
With regular monthly pay and a Plan 2 loan, your estimated monthly deduction for 2026/27 is £4. Add a Postgraduate Loan and the combined monthly deduction becomes £49.
This is because the postgraduate and undergraduate thresholds and rates are separate. We calculate both and add them together, rather than charging 15% on the whole salary.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Student loan repayment FAQs
How much of my salary goes towards a student loan?
For 2026/27, Plans 1, 2, 4 and 5 take 9% of earnings above the applicable repayment threshold for each pay period. A Postgraduate Loan takes 6% of earnings above its threshold.
Do I repay both a Plan 2 and a Postgraduate Loan?
Yes. If you have both types and your pay exceeds their thresholds, you can make a 9% Plan 2 deduction and an additional 6% Postgraduate Loan deduction.
Does my outstanding balance change the deduction?
Usually not. UK income-contingent payroll deductions depend on pay and loan type, not the amount outstanding. When a loan is nearly repaid, the Student Loans Company can arrange another repayment method to prevent overpayments.
Does every postgraduate loan have an extra 6% deduction?
No. The separate 6% Postgraduate Loan type generally covers postgraduate loans from Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales. Postgraduate student finance from Scotland is usually repaid under Plan 4 and from Northern Ireland under Plan 1. Check your active repayment plan letter.
When do student loan deductions begin?
Not necessarily as soon as you start work. The date repayments become due and your HMRC/SLC start or stop notices matter. Confirm your repayment status with the Student Loans Company and your employer.
Can I use this if I work abroad or have multiple undergraduate plan types?
This estimate covers UK PAYE with one undergraduate plan and an optional Postgraduate Loan. Overseas repayment thresholds, several simultaneous undergraduate plans, Self Assessment, irregular income and the exact final loan balance require separate checks.
PLANNING YOUR NEXT QUALIFICATION?
Understand the funding before you apply.
Repaying an existing student loan does not, by itself, tell you if you can get funding for another course. Previous study, eligibility and the course start date may matter.
Figures checked against HMRC 2026/27 guidance · Updated October 2026 · Ready Study Global is an independent education consultancy, not the Student Loans Company.