In many places, student loans are not simply wiped clean at a fixed age; instead, they are often written off after a set number of years from when repayments first become due, with specific rules depending on the repayment plan and country. Here’s a concise, current overview to help you understand typical UK rules, which seems to be the focus of your query. Key write-off rules (UK context)
- Plan 1 (most borrowers who started university before 2012): The loan is written off 25 years after the April you were first due to repay, or when you turn 65, whichever comes first.
- Plan 2 (England/Wales, started on or after 2012): The loan is written off 30 years after the April you were first due to repay.
- Plan 4 (Scottish students): If you took out the loan before 2007, it’s written off at age 65; if after, 30 years after the due date.
- Plan 5 (new England borrowers from 2023): The loan is written off 40 years after the April you were first due to repay.
- Postgraduate loans (England/Wales): Written off 30 years after the April you were first due to repay.
- Northern Ireland and other UK specifics may use the local plan rules or mirror a related plan.
Other ways loans can be canceled earlier
- Disability or illness: Some borrowers may have partial or full cancellation if they meet certain disability/long-term illness criteria and provide appropriate documentation.
- Death: The loan is typically cancelled upon death.
- Other exemptions or waivers may apply in exceptional circumstances (e.g., overpayment errors or administrative changes).
Important notes
- The exact write-off timing depends on the plan you’re on and when your repayments started, so identifying your plan (Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 4, Plan 5, or Postgrad) is essential to determine the correct cancellation date.
- If you’re studying or living outside England/Wales, or have a Scotland/NI-specific arrangement, the rules may differ slightly.
- It’s possible to have a balance wiped earlier in certain circumstances, but the standard time-based rule is the most common path to full cancellation.
If you’d like, share your country/region and the repayment plan you’re on (or the year you started repayments), and I can tailor the write-off date to your exact situation.
