Postgraduate Master’s Loan (PGML)

On this page:

• 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

What is a Postgraduate Master's Loan (PGML)?

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan (PGML) is funding provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC) to help cover the cost of postgraduate study.

• Paid directly to you (the student)
• Not means-tested
• Can be used for tuition fees, living costs, or both

This loan is intended as a contribution towards your Master’s degree costs, rather than full funding.

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Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:

• UK nationals or individuals with settled status in the UK
• Ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years before the start of your course
• Aged under 60 on the first day of your course
• Studying a full-time or part-time Master’s degree 
• Part-time study must be at least 50% intensity

EU students are eligible only if they started their course before the 2021/2022 academic year.

Important eligibility restriction

Students who are awarded any of the following are not eligible for PGML:

• APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)
• APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
• APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning) 

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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 apply for?

Students starting a Master’s course in the 2026/2027 academic year can apply for up to:

£12,471

The total amount is paid in instalments across the full duration of your course.

If you started your course in an earlier academic year, a different loan amount will apply.

• New students starting a Postgraduate Masters course in 2026/2027 can apply for £12,471.

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Frequently asked questions about PGML

Can I apply if I already started my Master’s before 2024/2025?

• No. The £12,471 loan amount applies only to students starting in 2024/2025. Earlier starters will receive the rate set for their year of entry.

Can I use a PGML to top up a PGCert or PGDip to a full Master’s?

• No. You must be studying a full Master’s degree (180 credits) to be eligible.

Can I apply if I am studying a distance learning course?

Yes, if:

• You are living in England
• You meet all eligibility criteria
  
  

Can I apply if my course includes study abroad?

Yes, if:

• The overseas study does not exceed 50% of the course
  You remain registered within eligibility requirements
   

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

For further guidance, contact: funding@herts.ac.uk

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