Stories

Thu, 09 Apr 2026

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22,000 students told to pay back 'mis-sold' maintenance loans

Those affected have been told their courses were never eligible for maintenance or childcare loans

* Over 20,000 students have been told they must repay maintenance loans and grants in error after being incorrectly categorized as distance learners.
* The Student Loans Company (SLC) claims that universities provided incorrect information, including failing to inform them of weekend-only teaching schedules.
* Courses at 15 universities and colleges are affected, including London Met, Bath Spa, Leeds Trinity, Southampton Solent, and Oxford Brookes.
* Students who received maintenance loans and grants for childcare may now have to repay tens of thousands of pounds.
* The NUS has described the situation as "devastating" and says students are worried about where they will find the money to repay the loans.
* Some universities are offering help or support, while others are considering a legal challenge against the SLC's decision.
* Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson blames universities for incompetence or abuse of the system, while universities say they were following government guidance.