Answers · UK 2025/26
When do I stop paying my UK student loan?
You stop paying when the loan is repaid in full or written off. Plan 2 (England 2012-2023) writes off 30 years after first April you became liable. Plan 5 (post-Sept 2023) writes off after 40 years. Plan 1: 25 years. Plan 4 (Scotland): 30 years.
Full answer
UK student loan write-off varies by plan. Plan 1 (pre-2012 England, NI, plus all Wales): 25 years from first April after graduation, or age 65 (whichever earlier). Plan 2 (England/Wales 2012–2023 starts): 30 years from first April you became eligible. Plan 4 (Scotland): 30 years. Plan 5 (England, from Sept 2023): 40 years, with £25,000 threshold and 9% above. Postgraduate Loan: 30 years, 6% above £21,000. Repayments stop on death or permanent disability. Voluntary overpayments allowed but rarely worth it — most graduates never repay in full, so paying early just transfers money from you to government for nothing. Exception: Plan 1 high earners often repay in full, so overpayment can save interest.
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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.