01 · Find your plan
Each plan has its own threshold
| Plan | Annual threshold | Rate above it |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | £26,900 | 9% |
| Plan 2 | £29,385 | 9% |
| Plan 4 | £33,795 | 9% |
| Plan 5 | £25,000 | 9% |
| Postgraduate | £21,000 | 6% |
Plan 1: Usually courses started before September 2012 in England or Wales, and some Northern Irish borrowers. Plan 2: Usually English or Welsh undergraduate courses started from September 2012. Plan 4: Scottish student-loan borrowers. Plan 5: Usually English undergraduate courses started from August 2023.
02 · The calculation
Only earnings above the threshold are charged
On Plan 2, annual earnings of £35,000 are £5,615 above the £29,385 threshold. At 9%, the annualised repayment is about £505—not 9% of the whole salary.
03 · Your payslip
A bonus can trigger a repayment that month
Employers use weekly or monthly thresholds. A high bonus or overtime payment can therefore create a deduction even if your normal pay is lower. Actual Salary shows an annual estimate, so a real payslip can differ.
Official help