Can UK Students Get a Student Loan to Study in Canada? The 2026 SFE Guide

Can UK students get a student loan to study in Canada? As of April 2026, the rules are clear: while SFE doesn't fund full degrees abroad, mandatory years abroad can unlock up to £12,403 in maintenance support. With Plan 5 repayments now officially active and Canadian living expense requirements sitting at $22,895 CAD, staying informed is the key to a successful move. This updated guide covers SFE travel grants, private loan alternatives like MPOWER, and how to manage your SLC repayments from overseas.

Does Student Finance England Cover Study in Canada?

If you're completing a full degree at a Canadian university, SFE will not provide tuition fee or maintenance loans. According to GOV.UK, funding is reserved for students at publicly funded UK institutions, so a standalone degree at a Canadian institution such as, the University of Waterloo is not covered.

The Year Abroad Exception

If Canada is a mandatory part of your UK degree, you remain eligible for SFE support. For 2026/27, the maximum overseas Maintenance Loan rate is £12,403 (income-assessed).

The SFE Travel Grant may also contribute toward flights and eligible travel costs, check with SFE directly whether your health insurance qualifies.

If your placement is arranged through the Turing Scheme, the UK's government-funded international exchange programme, you may be eligible for an additional mobility grant on top of your standard SFE support. Turing grants are designed to help with travel and living costs abroad and are particularly relevant for students from lower-income households. Check with your UK university's international office to confirm whether your Canadian placement qualifies and what the application deadlines are.

Alternative Funding for Full-Degree Students

• Private Loans: MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance offer loans for international students at accredited Canadian DLIs, assessed on future earning potential, no UK cosigner needed.
• Scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer entrance awards.
• Canadian Government Aid: Some provinces offer bursaries or emergency funding to enrolled international students. Check directly with your university's financial aid office on arrival, as availability varies by institution and province.
• IRCC Proof of Funds: To obtain a Study Permit, you must show at least $22,895 CAD in living expenses plus first-year tuition (for applications after September 1, 2025).

Repaying an Existing UK Loan from Canada

Once you leave the UK for more than three months, the SLC manages repayments directly. Thresholds are adjusted using the Price Level Index (PLI).

• Plan 1 (pre-September 2012): Overseas threshold approximately £26,900 for 2026/27, verify at GOV.UK each April
• Plan 5 (August 2023 or later): Repayments began April 2026; UK threshold £25,000, adjusted upward for Canada
• Missing your Overseas Income Assessment can trigger a fixed repayment exceeding £500/month, submit to the SLC before you leave

Next Steps for UK Students Planning to Study in Canada

• Full-degree students: Begin searching for Canadian scholarships at least 12 months before your intended intake
• Year Abroad students: Confirm your Canadian placement qualifies with SFE before applying
• All students: Verify your chosen institution appears on the official Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list
• Existing loan holders: Submit your Overseas Income Assessment to the SLC before you depart