Student Loans Interest and Repayment Threshold Announcement
This morning the interest rates (from 1 September 2019) and repayment thresholds (from 6 April) have been confirmed for borrowers of student loans.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“We want everyone with the talent and potential to be able to benefit from a university education, which is why loans are available to all students regardless of background or financial history.
“Our student loans system is designed in a progressive way so that graduates contribute an affordable amount based on their income, and the Government subsidises around 47% of the cost of higher education.
“The amount that new graduates will need to earn before they start contributing to their loans will increase for a third consecutive year to £26,575 from April, helping to keep more money in their pockets in the early stages of their career.
“We are carrying out a review of post-18 education and funding, including the role of student loans and interest rates, to make sure we have a system that delivers for both students and taxpayers.”
The Department for Education (DfE) today (08 August 2019) confirmed the annual updates to the Interest Rates and Thresholds of Income Contingent Student Loans and Mortgage Style Student Loans.
The Department for Education (DfE) today (08 August 2019) confirmed the annual updates to the Interest Rates and Thresholds of Income Contingent Student Loans and Mortgage Style Student Loans, as set out in the relevant regulations and terms and conditions of the loans.
Income Contingent Student Loans
Undergraduate loans
Income Contingent Student Loans for pre-2012 (Plan 1) loans
From 1 September 2019 until 31 August 2020, the maximum interest rate that can be set for the existing Income Contingent Repayment Loans will be 2.4%. However, the low interest cap will be triggered, and therefore the rate to be charged from 1 September 2019 will be 1.75%.
Please monitor this website regularly as the rates may change during the academic year.
From 6 April 2020, the repayment threshold for pre-2012 (Plan 1) loans will rise to £19,390.
Income Contingent Student Loans for post-2012 (Plan 2) loans
From 1 September 2019 until 31 August 2020, one or more interest rates may apply to you:
| Your circumstances | Interest rate |
|---|---|
| Whilst studying and until the April after leaving the course | RPI + 3% (5.4%) |
| If you come into repayment from April 2020 | Variable interest, dependent upon income RPI (2.4%), where income is £26,575 or less, rising on a sliding scale up to RPI + 3% (5.4%), where income is £47,835 or more |
| If you lose touch with SLC or do not send them the information they require | RPI + 3% (5.4%), irrespective of income, until SLC have the information they require |
The repayment threshold for post-2012 (plan 2) loans will rise to £26,575 from 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2021.
Postgraduate Loans
From 1 September 2019 until 31 August 2020, the interest rate for borrowers in England taking out a Postgraduate Masters or a Doctoral loan will be 5.4% (RPI + 3%). The repayment threshold for Postgraduate loans continues to be £21,000.
Mortgage Style Loans
From 1 September 2019 until 31 August 2020, the interest rate for mortgage style loans will be 2.4%. The deferment threshold for mortgage style loans will be £32,347. Any queries from borrowers who have mortgage style loans should be addressed to their loan administrator.
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