The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, but tuition fees and living expenses can be high, especially for international students.
To help ease the financial burden, several student loan providers offer financing options specifically designed for international students in the UK.
This article explores the 9 best student loans for international students in the UK, covering details such as loan amounts, interest rates, co-signer requirements, and eligibility.
Best Student Loan for International Students in the UK
Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
UK Government Loans (Postgraduate) | Up to £10,000 | No | 6.3% | Up to 25 years | Postgraduate students at UK universities |
Prodigy Finance | Up to £100,000 | No | 7.99% – 13.99% | Up to 15 years | Enrolled in eligible postgraduate programs |
Future Finance | £2,000 – £40,000 | No | 4.9% – 12% | 5 – 10 years | International students in UK universities |
MPOWER Financing | $2,001 – $50,000 | No | 9.99% – 13.99% | 10 years | Enrolled in eligible UK universities |
Lendwise | Up to £40,000 | No | 6.0% – 8.0% | 5 – 10 years | International students in UK universities |
College Ave Student Loans | $5,000 – $80,000 | No | 5.99% – 12.99% | 5 – 15 years | Enrolled in eligible UK institutions |
HSBC Study Loan | Up to £30,000 | Yes | 7.00% – 8.00% | 5 – 10 years | International students with a UK-based co-signer |
Santander Student Loan | Up to £25,000 | Yes | 6.0% | 5 – 10 years | Enrolled in UK universities with a co-signer |
Barclays International Loan | Up to £50,000 | Yes | 6.1% | 6 – 12 years | International students with a UK-based co-signer |
1. UK Government Loans (Postgraduate)
- Loan Amount: Up to £10,000
- Interest Rates: 6.3%
- Loan Terms: Up to 25 years
The UK government offers loans to postgraduate international students studying at UK universities.
Although these loans are primarily for UK residents, certain international students may qualify. The loan covers tuition fees and living costs.
The interest rate is fixed at 6.3%, and repayment begins after the student has completed their course and is employed.
2. Prodigy Finance
- Loan Amount: Up to £100,000
- Interest Rates: 7.99% – 13.99%
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years
Prodigy Finance offers loans for international students pursuing postgraduate studies.
The loan amount can be as high as £100,000, and the repayment period can extend up to 15 years. No co-signer is required.
Interest rates vary between 7.99% and 13.99% depending on the student’s future earning potential and creditworthiness.
3. Future Finance
- Loan Amount: £2,000 – £40,000
- Interest Rates: 4.9% – 12%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Future Finance provides loans to international students studying at UK universities.
Loan amounts range from £2,000 to £40,000, and interest rates range from 4.9% to 12%, based on the applicant’s credit profile.
Loan terms are flexible, from 5 to 10 years, and can be used to cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
4. MPOWER Financing
- Loan Amount: $2,001 – $50,000
- Interest Rates: 9.99% – 13.99%
- Loan Terms: 10 years
MPOWER Financing offers loans for international students attending eligible UK universities.
The loan can cover tuition fees and living expenses, with amounts ranging from $2,001 to $50,000.
Interest rates are 9.99% to 13.99%, and repayment is due within 10 years. No co-signer is required for this loan.
5. Lendwise
- Loan Amount: Up to £40,000
- Interest Rates: 6.0% – 8.0%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Lendwise provides loans for international students enrolled in postgraduate programs at UK universities.
Loans can be used for tuition fees and living costs, with amounts ranging from £5,000 to £40,000. Interest rates range from 6.0% to 8.0%, and repayment terms are flexible, lasting between 5 to 10 years.
6. College Ave Student Loans
- Loan Amount: $5,000 – $80,000
- Interest Rates: 5.99% – 12.99%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 15 years
College Ave Student Loans offer flexible repayment options for international students in the UK.
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $80,000, and the interest rates are between 5.99% and 12.99%, depending on the applicant’s credit score.
The loan can cover both tuition fees and living expenses, with repayment terms ranging from 5 to 15 years.
7. HSBC Study Loan
- Loan Amount: Up to £30,000
- Interest Rates: 7.00% – 8.00%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
HSBC provides loans for international students but requires a UK-based co-signer.
The loan amount can be up to £30,000, with interest rates ranging from 7.00% to 8.00%.
The repayment period is flexible, with terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.
8. Santander Student Loan
- Loan Amount: Up to £25,000
- Interest Rates: 6.0%
- Loan Terms: 5 – 10 years
Santander offers loans to international students who have a UK-based co-signer.
The loan amount can be up to £25,000, with an interest rate of 6.0%.
The loan can be used to cover tuition fees and living expenses, and repayment terms are flexible, ranging from 5 to 10 years.
9. Barclays International Loan
Loan Amount: Up to £50,000
- Interest Rates: 6.1%
- Loan Terms: 6 – 12 years
Barclays provides loans for international students, requiring a UK-based co-signer. Loan amounts can be up to £50,000, with interest rates starting at 6.1%.
Repayment terms are available between 6 and 12 years, and the loan can cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students in the UK get loans without a co-signer?
Yes, several loan providers, such as Prodigy Finance, MPOWER Financing, and College Ave Student Loans, offer loans to international students without requiring a co-signer.
What are the interest rates on UK student loans for international students?
Interest rates for UK student loans for international students typically range from 4.9% to 13.99%, depending on the loan provider and the student’s financial profile.
Can I use a student loan to cover both tuition fees and living expenses?
Yes, many loan providers, including Future Finance, MPOWER Financing, and Prodigy Finance, allow international students to use their loans for both tuition fees and living expenses.
Conclusion
Securing a student loan as an international student in the UK can be an essential step toward financing your education.
The 9 loan providers listed above offer competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and various eligibility options, making it easier for international students to access the funds needed for tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
When choosing a loan, it’s important to consider the interest rates, loan amounts, repayment terms, and whether a co-signer is required, to ensure you find the best loan that suits your financial situation.