Student finance in England comprises two main components: a Tuition Fee Loan (up to £9,250/year) and a Maintenance Loan (up to approximately £13,348/year for those living away from home in London, 2024–25).
Student loans function more like a graduate tax than a conventional debt. Most graduates will never repay the full amount — the write-off date means low earners may repay very little. Overpaying voluntarily is rarely financially optimal unless you are a high earner likely to repay in full within the write-off period. This is complex — Martin Lewis's MSE website provides the most detailed up-to-date guidance.