Education loan for studying in the UK
A UK taught master's is usually one year, which makes it one of the smaller borrowings among the major destinations — frequently within unsecured limits, which changes the lender conversation entirely.
What one year changes
- A smaller loan, often inside an unsecured cap, so no valuation and no weeks of delay.
- A shorter moratorium, so repayment starts sooner — which is a cost as well as a saving.
- A partial scholarship covers proportionally more, because the total is smaller.
- Living costs in London are the variable that most changes the total.
The CAS and the loan are connected
- Accept the offer and meet the conditions so the CAS can be issued.
- Have the loan sanctioned, because the financial evidence must be in place for the visa.
- Hold the funds for the period the route requires — that clock is often the earliest date in your plan.
- Apply for the visa.
See /visa-guide/uk/financial-requirements for the holding period. A loan sanctioned the week before you apply may not satisfy it.
Lenders covering the UK
11 lenders from the twelve we list, with the rate each one publishes and how old it is on their own page.
For the UK — FAQs
2 questions
Usually, because the master's is one year rather than two. That often brings it inside unsecured limits.
A sanction letter is accepted on several routes subject to conditions. Check the current requirement before relying on it.
Not sure which lender fits? A counsellor compares what you would actually be offered across all twelve — free, and with no application.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 1 October 2026.