Wayli Guide

Which student loan plan am I on?

Your student loan plan affects how much you repay, when repayments begin and how long they continue. Knowing your plan is the first step to understanding your likely outcome.
Compare plans
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How to identify your repayment plan

In most cases, your plan depends on when and where you studied.

Before 2012
Usually Plan 1
England or Wales after 2012
Usually Plan 2
Scotland
Usually Plan 4
New borrowers
Usually Plan 5
Postgraduate loan
Separate repayment plan
Not sure?

Your payslip or Student Loans Company account will confirm your repayment plan.

If you're employed

Repayments are usually deducted automatically through PAYE once your income rises above the repayment threshold.

If your income changes

Student loan deductions increase, reduce or stop as your earnings move above or below the repayment threshold.

If you're self-employed

Repayments are normally calculated and collected through your Self Assessment tax return.

Why your plan matters

Different plans have different repayment thresholds, write-off dates and rules, so two people on the same salary may repay very different amounts.

Student loan plans compared

Each repayment plan has different thresholds and write-off rules, which can change your student loan outcome over your lifetime.

PlanRepayment thresholdRepayment rateWrite-off
Plan 1£26,9009%25 years
Plan 2£29,3859%30 years
Plan 4£33,7959%30 years
Plan 5£25,0009%40 years
Postgraduate£21,0006%30 years
Remember

Repayment thresholds and rules can change over time. Always check the latest official figures if you're making an important financial decision.

Why your repayment plan matters

Your repayment plan determines when repayments begin, how much is deducted from your salary and how long repayments can continue.

It's one of the biggest factors in understanding whether you're likely to repay your balance in full.

Key insight

Knowing your repayment plan makes every other student loan decision easier to understand.

Frequently asked questions

Do I manually pay my student loan every month?

Not if you are employed. Repayments are usually deducted automatically via your employer.

Why is money coming off my payslip?

Student loan deductions start once your income is above the repayment threshold.

How do I make sure I am repaying the correct amount?

Keep your employment and contact info up to date with the student loan service.

What if I change jobs?

Your new employer handles deductions once your details are updated.

What if my income falls?

Deductions reduce or stop if earnings drop below the threshold.

Can two people on the same salary repay different amounts?

Yes, different plans have different thresholds and rules.

See how this applies to you

Use the Wayli Student Loan Calculator to calculate your own outcome.

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