University of Essex | Placement Year Funding
Factsheet 2025-26
Tuition Fees
If you opt for an industrial or clinical placement year as part of your course, you will pay 20% of the
standard tuition fee for that year.
UK Home and some eligible EU students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover this cost.
Standard tuition fee for 2025-26: £9,535.
Placement fee: £1,907 (20% of £9,535).
Note: Tuition fees for Overseas and some EU students vary based on start date, residency status,
course, and placement type. Please refer to your course specification.
Maintenance Loan (UK Home Students Only)
During your non-Turing work placement year (paid/unpaid), you are entitled to a reduced-rate
maintenance Loan.
Location Full Year Final Year Students
UK Parental Home £2,396 £1,820
UK London £4,485 £3,430
Metropolitan Area
UK Elsewhere £3,194 £2,490
Note: Turing Scheme placements may be eligible for the overseas maintenance rate (once funding is
confirmed).
You will not be eligible for the Maintenance Grant or supplementary grants (e.g. Parents’ Learning
Allowance, Adult Dependants Grant, Childcare Grant) unless you undertake a qualifying Type B unpaid
service placement (details below).
Type B Unpaid Service Placements (Eligible for Full
Support)
Certain unpaid placements attract a full Maintenance Loan, Maintenance Grant
(subject to income assessment), and supplementary grants.
Qualifying Placements:
◼ Unpaid service in a UK hospital, public health service laboratory, or clinical commissioning group.
◼ Service with a UK local authority in care, health, or welfare.
◼ Work with voluntary organisations providing similar services.
◼ Service in the prison or probation services in the UK.
◼ Unpaid research in a UK or overseas educational institution.
◼ Service with NHS bodies or health boards in the UK.
◼ Unpaid service with either House of Parliament.
Important:
◼ Confirm eligibility with your awarding agency (SFE, SFW, SAAS, SFNI).
◼ Obtain written confirmation from your Placement Officer if required.
◼ Quote your CRN in all correspondence.
Note: Stipends may count as income and affect your funding.
Questions & Answers
◼ Do I need to register as a student for my placement year?
Yes, complete the Online Registration nearer the time.
◼ Can I still apply for a Maintenance Loan?
Yes. Apply early via: Student Finance Application
◼ When will my Maintenance Loan be paid?
Instalments are usually paid in October, January, and April/May.
◼ My placement starts early. Can I get my loan earlier?
Yes, if your placement starts before term, you may receive your first instalment up to 25 working
days in advance. Ensure Student Records has your correct start date.
◼ My placement is paid. Do I still need my loan?
It’s your choice. You could take the loan as a safety net or save it for your final year.
◼ Do I have to pay tax during my placement?
If working abroad, check with your employer about tax obligations. If your placement is in the UK,
you will need a National Insurance Number, You will pay tax and national insurance monthly as you
earn.
◼ If I am an EEA Migrant Worker, what does it mean to me if I have a placement year?
§
◼ If you receive the Maintenance Loan and/or any of the additional grants based on being assessed
as an EEA Migrant Worker, and you stop your usual work or reduce your weekly hours to
undertake your work placement year, your entitlement to continue to receive SFE funding will be
affected. SFE will no longer consider you to be an EEA Migrant Worker because the work you do
while on your placement will be seen as a part of your course and ancillary. You can still apply for
the SFE EU Tuition Fee Loan as an EEA national, and you may be able to resume your Migrant
Worker status in the following academic year. Contact the Funding Team for further discussion and
advice about switching to an EU loan only for your Placement Year, if required.
◼ Will my or my family’s benefits be impacted?
Yes, if you receive means-tested benefits or live at home during a paid placement.
◼ Am I still eligible for university financial support?
Yes, if you are a registered student and meet eligibility criteria. The full list of financial support funds
is available here https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/money
◼ What about Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is usually not awarded during full-year placements, unless you are on a study placement.
Confirm with your funding body.
Budgeting: Cost of Living Planner
INCOME £ Other Currency
Maintenance Loan
Any other SLC Grants (e.g. Travel Grant)
Scholarship/ Sponsorship/ Trusts & Charities
Placement salary (net of Tax etc)
Family Contribution (if applicable)
Other Income e.g. savings, ISA, tax rebates
Other
Other
Total £
EXPENDITURE £ Other Currency
Flights
Visa
Passport
Insurance (Medical, Possessions etc)
Rent
Utility Bills (gas, water, electricity)
Food
§
Personal Toiletries
Laundry & Housekeeping
Clothes
Health Costs
Travel (Public Transport, Internal Flights)
Leisure/Social/Sport
Telephone Calls (mobile & landline)
Books, photocopying. materials & equipment
Emergencies
Other
Other
Other
£
Total
Tip: Use online tools like Blackbullion for budgeting.
Checklist Before Placement
✅ Register for the academic year
✅ Confirm your placement dates with Student Records
✅ Apply for Student Finance early
✅ Prepare your budget
✅ Arrange insurance and visas (if applicable)
✅ Check tax/benefit impacts
✅ Confirm funding eligibility with your awarding body
Contact Us
Funding Team
Email: [email protected]
Website: University of Essex - Money Matters
University of Essex 2025. All rights reserved.
This factsheet is for guidance only and is subject to change.
