I got a £10,000 loan for my nursing degree. Now they say it’s an error and I have to pay it back
I got a £10,000 loan for my nursing degree. Now they say it’s an error and I have to pay it back
David Robinson’s financial relief turns to uncertainty
David Robinson, a recent graduate of Edge Hill University in Liverpool, has faced a sudden shift in his financial plans. His one-year postgraduate diploma in adult nursing, which he completed in summer 2025, was initially supported by a tuition fee loan and a £10,538 maintenance grant. He combined NHS bursary funding with personal savings to cover university expenses. However, a recent email from his institution has triggered a wave of concern, revealing that his course did not meet the criteria for maintenance support. The message stated that the Student Loans Company (SLC) had determined the course was ineligible, requiring immediate repayment at an accelerated pace.
The SLC acknowledged the issue, noting that some institutions had misclassified distance learning courses. They assured affected students that repayment arrangements would be made where possible. Despite this, Robinson expressed frustration, stating, “I was concerned, I can only repay what I can afford.” He feels the revised terms undermine the value of his investment and may deter future applicants from pursuing similar paths.
A broader impact on students
Robinson’s experience is part of a larger trend affecting 22,000 students enrolled in weekend-based programs. These learners, many of whom balance part-time study with full-time work, had received loans under the assumption their courses were eligible. Some institutions, including Edge Hill University, have now informed students of this error, prompting calls for a legal review. A spokesperson noted the university is committed to supporting affected learners and will continue advocating with the SLC.
Teaching assistant Lou Osborne faced a similar dilemma. She resat her GCSE maths and science exams to qualify for an education degree at the University of Sunderland. Her accelerated two-year course, featuring Saturday lectures and written assessments, was “amazing” in her eyes. Yet, this week, she received a notice that her £3,500 maintenance loan must be repaid immediately, with interest. She described the situation as unfair, saying, “We’re paying into the economy by working and are now told, ‘You don’t deserve help because you’re part-time.'”
Osborne, like Robinson, had planned to graduate in 2027, with a final 12-week assessment remaining. The sudden reversal has left her and her peers in panic, questioning the financial stability of their education choices. Both cases highlight a growing issue where students who invested in their futures are now facing unexpected repayment demands, raising concerns about the accessibility of higher education for those with part-time commitments.
