NI student finance: new rates and DSA rise 2026-27

If you’re starting or supporting a degree in Northern Ireland, student finance rules are being updated. The Department for the Economy has made new regulations that come into operation on 10 April 2026. Most headline changes, including new payment rates, apply to courses that begin on or after 1 August 2026. We’ll walk you through what changes and how to prepare. (niassembly.gov.uk)

First up, Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is widened. If you are ‘exam only’ or ‘assessment only’ in a resit situation, you can now be considered for DSA. The annual non‑travel maximum for eligible students increases from £25,000 to £27,500. According to the Department for the Economy’s explanatory memorandum, this applies across full‑time, part‑time and distance learning routes referenced in the 2009 Regulations. (niassembly.gov.uk)

What this means: if you rely on specialist software, a study mentor, or other disability‑related support, your assessed package could be larger from the 2026/27 year. Speak to your university disability adviser early so your needs assessment and quotes are ready when applications open.

Maintenance support moves up in line with inflation for 2026/27. The memorandum sets out a 2.7% uplift, taking the maximum Maintenance Grant to £3,569 and the maximum Maintenance Loan to £6,471 if you live with parents, £8,352 if you live away from home, and £11,699 if you live away in London. The schedule also updates a range of smaller figures across the rules. (niassembly.gov.uk)

Tuition fee support is adjusted too. The cap for fees charged by local institutions rises to £4,985 in 2026/27, and the fee loan available to NI students increases to match. For NI students studying elsewhere in the UK, the maximum fee loan aligns with fees up to £9,790 so tuition can be fully covered. (niassembly.gov.uk)

There’s a clarity change on the Special Support Grant. If you are a ‘current system student’ on a graduate‑entry course, you will not qualify for the Special Support Grant, bringing it into line with existing maintenance grant rules. If you expected to receive SSG on a graduate‑entry route, build that into your budget planning now. (niassembly.gov.uk)

The Regulations also tidy up older wording. Redundant references (including to a Scottish healthcare allowance) are removed, and a technical correction to the 2025 Regulations is made. These edits don’t alter how most people apply, but they help keep the rulebook clear. (niassembly.gov.uk)

How to use this today: if your course starts in autumn 2026, plan on the new rates. If you’re resitting with ‘exam only’ status, check whether DSA now fits your needs. If you’re a graduate‑entry student weighing up SSG, assume ineligibility and explore university hardship funds and bursaries as alternatives.

Quick definitions to keep you right. ‘Exam/assessment only’ means you’re registered to complete assessments but not attending regular teaching that year, often after an interruption or deferral. ‘Graduate entry’ usually refers to programmes designed for degree‑holders (for example, some medicine or law pathways). ‘Current system student’ is a term used in the NI rules; if you’re unsure which system you’re in, ask Student Finance NI or your university’s funding team for confirmation.

Timeline check and next steps. The Regulations were made on 19 March 2026 and take effect from 10 April 2026, with the new payment rates applying to academic years beginning on or after 1 August 2026. Give yourself a head start by gathering evidence for DSA, speaking to your disability adviser, and watching for Student Finance NI application windows to open for 2026/27.