No escaping the fact that going to university is an expensive business is there. All told, a emblematic three-year course at a public university in England is likely to set you back £50,000 to £60,000. The great news is that you don’t have to pay it all upfront. The Government provides student finance support to cover the costs of both tuition and maintenance — though ultimately you’ll probably have to repay most of the money. At present, tuition fees at public universities and colleges are capped at £9,000 per year for full-time courses. Logically enough, this is also the maximum Tuition Fee Loan you can take out each year. Private universities can charge whatever fees they like, and those attending them are limited to a £6,000 annual Tuition Fee Loan. If you’re doing a part-time course that qualifies for assistance, you’ll be able to borrow up to £6,750, or £4,500 if you’re at a private university or college. Individual universities may also offer fee waivers for students from low-income households — details of these will be available on university websites. When it comes to living costs, including your accommodation, state support takes the form of Maintenance Loans (which need to be paid back) and Maintenance Grants (which don’t). Both are paid into your nominated bank account at the beginning of each period.