Student Loan repayments as a Part Time student

fulhamnonny · 27 January at 1:42PM

Hi,
I'm looking for some clarity as I can't find any info on the main site and some advice if anyone can offer it to me.

Since 2018 I've been working and studying part time as I look to change careers. I took student loan out as there is no way that I could afford to pay tuition fees. Originally I was due to graduate last year in 2024, but as I failed 1 component, I'm still there, but due to retake the exam for that component in the next few weeks. I have not taken out a loan for this academic year as it's not needed.

I'm being told by the SLC that even though I haven't finished my course, for the past 2 years they've been taken repayments from me which has surprised and upset me as I've not had any comms from them saying they were nor have I had any statements from them. I am currently earning over the minimum repayment threshold.

I will take responsibility that I've not checked my actual wage slips, I've only been checking my bank account for how much of wages net are going in each month.

When I do finish this current course, my employment circumstances will slowly change from being PAYE to self employed as I move into this new field.

Having called them, they informed me for part time students, that they start taking loans 4 years after the first loan is requested or after you finish/ leave/ drop out whatever is sooner.

I'm struggling to get my head round that surely if I haven't finished my course I shouldn't be repaying yet and thought I wouldn't start repayment until either the start of the 25/26 year or the 26/27 tax year.

SFE would have seen that from my applications for finance over the past few years that the length of my course has changed. Surely SLC cannot just take the money for what ever is sooner especially in the case of a PT degree which lasts longer than 4 years.

Having studied before under plan 1 in the England, I was also informed there was 74p left on my account. I was not aware of this as I was under the impression it had been completely cleared in 2012. Again is this even possible?

I don't know if it's worth me putting in an a complaint or if there is anything else I can/ can't do. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

TIA.