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Postgraduate Loan Calculator

Last updated: April 2026

Postgraduate loan inputs

Course type

Monthly repayment at £30,000 salary

£45/month

Postgrad only

£45/month

Combined with undergrad

£45/month

Loan projection

Starting balance

£14,171

Balance at 5 years

£14,942

Balance at 10 years

£12,806

30-year outcome

Repaid in year 18

Amount written off

£0

Total repaid

£26,273

Comparison

Loan route

£45/month

Employer-funded

£0/month

Part-time/self-fund

Depends on salary

Postgrad loan vs undergraduate loan differences

Postgraduate loans are repaid at 6% above £21,000, separate from undergraduate repayments. If you have both, they are repaid at the same time, which can create a noticeable deduction from salary.

Is a master's degree worth the debt?

It depends on the course, career path, employer demand, and whether the qualification unlocks a role you could not otherwise access. The repayment system means the headline debt is not the same as a bank loan, but monthly deductions can still matter.

Employer-sponsored postgraduate study

Employer sponsorship, part-time study while working, scholarships, and bursaries can reduce or remove the need for borrowing. Always compare these routes before taking the full loan.

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.

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