- What funding can I get on a placement year?
- When can I get full funding on an unpaid placement year?
- Important: check your finances before accepting a placement
- Need extra financial support during your placement?
What funding can I get on a placement year?
Paid or unpaid placements
If you are a home (UK) student, you can apply for a reduced rate maintenance loan during your placement year.
This applies if your placement is:
- Paid or unpaid
- In the UK or overseas
Maintenance loan rates for 2026/2027:
- Living away from home (including overseas): £3,281
- Living at your parental home: £2,461
EU students:
You are not eligible for living cost funding through Student Finance England.
When can I get full funding on an unpaid placement?
You may still receive your full student finance package if your placement is classed as ‘unpaid service’.
This includes:
- Unpaid work in a hospital or public health service
- Work with a local authority supporting children or young people
- Work with a voluntary organisation in care or welfare roles
- Work in prison, probation or aftercare services
- Unpaid research at a UK or overseas university
- Work with a Health Authority in the UK
If your placement does not meet these criteria, you will receive the reduced maintenance loan only.
Important: Check your finances before accepting a placement
It is your responsibility to make sure you can afford your living costs during your placement year before you accept an offer.
Need extra financial support during your placement?
If you experience unexpected financial difficulty during your placement year, you may be able to apply to the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF).