Important: If you receive APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning), APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) or APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning) towards your Master's degree, you will not be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's Loan.
- What is a Postgraduate Master's Loan (PGML)?
- Who can apply?
- When can I apply for a PGML?
- How much can I apply for?
- Frequently Asked Questions about PGML
- Need more information?
What is a Postgraduate Master's Loan (PGML)?
A Postgraduate Master's Loan (PGML) is funding from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help with the costs of studying a Master's degree.
The loan:
- Is paid directly to you
- Is not means-tested
- Can be used for tuition fees, living costs, or both
The loan is intended to contribute towards the cost of your studies and may not cover all expenses.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a UK national or have settled status in the UK
- Have normally lived in the UK for at least three years before your course starts
- Are under 60 on the first day of your course
- Are studying an eligible full-time or part-time Master's degree
- If studying part-time, your course intensity is at least 50%
EU students are only eligible if they started their course before the 2021/22 academic year.
Who is not eligible?
You will not be eligible if:
- You receive APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)
- You receive APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
- You receive APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning)
- You already hold a Master's degree, integrated Master's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification
When can I apply for a PGML?
- Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are open via the Government website.
- Apply through the Government website.
- Application deadline
- You should apply as early as possible before your course starts.
- The official deadline is 9 months after the start of your final year.
How much can I get?
Students starting a Master's course in the 2026/27 academic year can apply for up to:
£12,471
The loan is paid in instalments over the duration of your course.
If you started your course in an earlier academic year, the amount available may be different.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I started my Master's before 2024/2025?
No. The maximum loan amount of £12,471 applies only to students starting in the 2026/2025 academic year. Students who started earlier are entitled to the rate that applied in their year of entry.
Can I use a PGML to top up a PGCert or PGDip to a full Master’s degree?
No. You must be studying a full Master's qualification (180 credits) to be eligible.
Can I apply if I study by distance learning?
Yes, if:
- You live in England
- You meet the other eligibility requirements
Can I apply if my course includes study abroad?
Yes, provided:
- The overseas study does not exceed 50% of the course
- You remain eligible throughout your studies
Can I apply if I receive a bursary?
You are not eligible if you receive:
- NHS bursary
- Social Work Bursary
- Funding from DHSSPS or SAAS
- If you applied for a Social Work Bursary but were not awarded one, you may still apply for PGML.
Can EU students apply after Brexit?
- EU students starting courses after the 2020/2021 academic year are not eligible for PGML.
When will I receive my payments?
- Payments are made in instalments across your course duration
- Student Finance England will confirm your payment schedule
- Your first payment will only be made after full registration
What are my responsibilities to the Student Loans Company?
You must:
- Provide accurate and complete information
- Report any changes to your circumstances
- Follow the terms and conditions of your loan
- Providing incorrect information may result in penalties or repayment of funding.
When you take out a Postgraduate Master's Loan, you’ll sign a declaration form confirming you’ve read and understood the terms and conditions.
Are PGMLs only available through Student Finance England?
Similar funding options are available through:
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
Need more information?
For further guidance, contact: