The Student Loans Company outlined its plans for the start of the academic year in a news story published on 2 September 2026. Jackie Currie, the company's executive director for customer service, said £2.6 billion in maintenance support was scheduled to be paid to 1.1 million students across England that month. Tuition fee payments were to follow in October, paid directly to universities on students' behalf.

The company said payments can only be made after a student has registered and the university has confirmed this. Students who registered on or just before their expected payment date would see that date change, with the company rescheduling once it heard from the university. It advised students to check that their bank details were accurate and up to date in their online account, and to look out for a text message confirming a payment was on its way.

Payment status could be checked through the online account. The company noted that its contact centres can get busy at that time of year and suggested checking the account or common questions first. It also pointed to FAQs, videos and social media channels for Student Finance England. The figures describe plans reported as of the source publication date, not confirmed payment outcomes.