UK
UK Student Loan Plans 1, 2, 4, 5 and Postgrad: Which Plan Am I On?
How to tell which UK student loan plan you're on, the 2026/27 repayment thresholds and rates for each, and how repayments are collected through PAYE.
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UK Student Loan Repayment Calculator
Work out your UK student loan repayments based on your salary and plan. Pick from Plan 1 (pre-2012), Plan 2 (post-2012), Plan 4 (Scotland), Plan 5 (post-August 2023), or Postgraduate. The calculator applies the current threshold and 9% (or 6% postgrad) rate to income above the plan threshold.
How is this calculated?
Student loan repayments are 9% (or 6% for Postgraduate Loans) of income above the plan threshold. For 2025/26: Plan 1 £26,065, Plan 2 £28,470, Plan 4 £32,745, Plan 5 £25,000, Postgraduate £21,000. Repayments are deducted automatically through PAYE for employees and via Self Assessment for the self-employed. If you have both a Plan loan and a Postgraduate Loan, both are deducted simultaneously. Outstanding balances are written off after 25-40 years depending on plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plan am I on?
Plan 1: started university in England/Wales before 1 September 2012. Plan 2: started 2012-2022 (England/Wales). Plan 4: Scottish-domiciled student. Plan 5: started post-August 2023 (England). Postgraduate Loan: master's/doctoral funding from August 2016 (England/Wales). If you have multiple loans, you'll typically be on the most recent plan.
Should I overpay my student loan?
Usually not for Plan 2 or Plan 5 borrowers — most won't repay before the loan is wiped (30 years for Plan 2, 40 for Plan 5), so it acts more like a graduate tax. Plan 1 borrowers (lower interest, 25-year term) and high earners may want to overpay. Always do the maths against your specific salary trajectory before voluntarily overpaying.
What if I move abroad?
You're still required to repay your UK student loan. You must complete an annual Overseas Income Assessment with the Student Loans Company. The threshold is adjusted for the cost of living in your country of residence.
Does interest accrue on the balance?
Yes. Plan 1: RPI or Bank of England base rate + 1% (lower of). Plan 2: RPI + up to 3% (income-linked). Plan 5: RPI flat. Postgraduate: RPI + 3%. Interest doesn't appear on this calculator (it's about repayment cashflow), but it does affect total repaid over the life of the loan.
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Last updated: May 2026 · Rates sourced from HMRC