Answers · UK 2025/26
When does a UK student loan get written off?
Plan 1: 25 years after first repayment, or age 65, whichever comes first. Plan 2 (pre-2023): 30 years after first repayment. Plan 4 (Scotland): 30 years. Plan 5 (post-Aug-2023 starters in England): 40 years. Death or permanent disability also clears the debt.
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UK student loan write-off rules 2025/26. Plan 1 (England/Wales pre-Sept 2012, Northern Ireland any time): written off 25 years after your first repayment, OR at age 65, whichever comes first. Plan 2 (England/Wales Sept 2012 to July 2023): 30 years after the first April you were due to repay. Plan 4 (Scotland): 30 years. Plan 5 (England, courses starting August 2023+): 40 years — the longest term, reflecting the lower £25k threshold and lower interest rate (RPI only) introduced from August 2023. Postgraduate Loans: 30 years after first repayment year. ALL plans: loans are cleared on death (need to inform Student Loans Company with death certificate) or if you become permanently unable to work due to disability (medical evidence required). For Plan 2 graduates earning £35-40k, the loan effectively functions as a 9% graduate tax for 30 years — many won't repay in full before write-off. For Plan 5 the longer 40-year term increases lifetime cost for middle earners significantly versus Plan 2.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.