You cannot choose your plan. It depends on where you applied and when your course started.
Student Finance England
- Started on or after 1 August 2023: Plan 5 for undergraduate courses, PGCE, Advanced Learner Loans and Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Postgraduate master's and doctoral loans are on the Postgraduate Loan plan.
- Started between 1 September 2012 and 31 July 2023: Plan 2 for undergraduate courses, PGCE, Advanced Learner Loans and Higher Education Short Course Loans.
- Started before 1 September 2012: Plan 1.
Elsewhere in the UK
- Student Finance Wales: Plan 2 if you started on or after 1 September 2012 (undergraduate or PGCE); Plan 1 before that.
- Student Awards Agency Scotland: Plan 4.
- Student Finance Northern Ireland: Plan 1.
Check it properly
Sign in to your online repayment account and download your 'active plan type letter', then check your employer has the same plan on payroll. If you were on the wrong plan and overpaid, you can get a refund.
Source: GOV.UK — which repayment plan you're on.
Last checked: 19 October 2026. Estimates only, not tax advice.