When are student loans written off?
In the UK, student loans are written off after a set period of time. This means you’re no longer required to repay anything that remains on the loan — even if you haven’t paid it off in full.
When your loan is written off depends on which plan you’re on, not how much you borrowed or how much you’ve repaid so far.
For many borrowers, having part (or all) of their loan written off is normal.
Quick answer (for most people)
- Student loans are written off after a fixed number of years
- The timing depends on your loan plan
- Any remaining balance is cancelled
- You don’t need to apply for a write-off
👉 If you’re unsure how repayments work before this point, see
how much you repay on a student loan.
Which student loan plan are you on?
Write-off rules depend entirely on your plan:
- Plan 1
- Plan 2
- Plan 4
- Plan 5
- Postgraduate Loan
Your plan is based on when you started your course and where you lived, not the university you attended.
When student loans are written off by plan
If you’re on Plan 1
Your Plan 1 loan is written off:
- 25 years after the April you became eligible to repay
- Or when you turn 65, whichever comes first
Example: James (Plan 1)
James has been making repayments for years, but his balance hasn’t fully cleared. Once the write-off date is reached, the remaining balance is cancelled automatically.
If you’re on Plan 2
Your Plan 2 loan is written off:
- 30 years after the April you became eligible to repay
This applies even if you still owe a large balance.
Example: Emma (Plan 2)
Emma earns enough to make repayments, but interest means her balance keeps growing. When the 30-year point is reached, whatever remains is written off.
This is very common for Plan 2 borrowers.
If you’re on Plan 4
Your Plan 4 loan is written off:
- 30 years after the April you became eligible to repay
- Or when you turn 65, whichever comes first
Example: Mark (Plan 4)
Mark’s income fluctuates over the years. Some years he repays, some years he doesn’t. Any remaining balance is cancelled at the write-off point.
If you’re on Plan 5
Plan 5 loans have different rules from older plans.
- Written off 40 years after the April you became eligible to repay
This longer period means more people may repay for longer, but repayments are still income-based.
Example: Sarah (Plan 5)
Sarah may repay for decades, but if any balance remains at the end of the 40-year period, it is cancelled automatically.
If you have a Postgraduate Loan
Postgraduate loans are written off:
- 30 years after the April you became eligible to repay
This applies separately from any undergraduate loan.
Example: Tom (Postgraduate loan)
Tom has an undergraduate and a postgraduate loan. Each has its own write-off timeline, and both are cancelled separately if not fully repaid.
Do you need to apply for a write-off?
No.
Student loan write-offs:
- Happen automatically
- Are handled by the Student Loans Company
- Do not require any action from you
If your loan reaches the write-off point, repayments simply stop.
What if you stop working or earn very little?
If your income stays below the repayment threshold:
- You make no repayments
- Interest may still be added
- The loan can still be written off later
Not earning enough to repay does not delay the write-off date.
👉 You may want to read when you start repaying your student loan for more detail.
Does student loan interest matter if it’s written off?
For many people:
- Interest increases the balance
- But does not change monthly repayments
- And does not prevent a future write-off
👉 Our guide on how student loan interest works explains this in more detail.
Can a student loan be written off early?
In limited circumstances, a loan may be written off early, such as:
- Permanent disability
- Death
These are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Student Loans Company.
Where this information comes from
Student loan write-off rules are set by the government and administered by the Student Loans Company. Official guidance is available on GOV.UK.
What to read next
To complete your understanding of student loans, you may also find these helpful:
