Personal payments scheme guidance notes (for registered students only)

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What is the Personal Payments Scheme?

The University expects all students to pay their tuition fees in line with the standard instalment plans. However, in certain circumstances, a student may find it difficult to meet the standard schedule and may request an alternative arrangement.

The Personal Payments Scheme allows students to submit a formal request for a tailored payment plan. Students approved under this scheme are granted provisional registration, rather than full registration (see below for more details).

Personal Payment Scheme eligibility criteria

The Flexible Payment Scheme is available to students who, for genuine reasons, may find it difficult to pay their tuition fees through the standard payment plan, but who can demonstrate that, with some flexibility, they are able to meet their financial obligations.

To be eligible for the scheme, students must have paid at least the first instalment of 50% of their tuition fees.

This scheme is not intended for students who do not have sufficient funds to pay their tuition fees and who are seeking additional time to secure financing. It is essential that your funding is secured and in place, and that payment of tuition fees is prioritised before enrolling at the University.

The scheme is also open to students who, at the end of the previous academic year, still owe the University academic-related fees (eg tuition fees). According to University regulations, students are not permitted to re-register if they have outstanding academic-related debts unless special permission is granted.

If you find yourself in this situation, you may apply for special permission to re-register. The Student Fees and Funding team will review your request in consultation with relevant departments (eg Finance) and assess your payment history. Special permission is not guaranteed, and is rarely granted more than once.

If my request is approved, what happens next?

If your request for a personal payment plan is approved, the details of your individual plan will be sent to you via email.

You will be granted provisional registration instead of full registration. Your academic department will be notified of this status and will receive regular updates regarding your payment progress.

Each personal payment plan is tailored to the individual student and constitutes a confidential agreement between you and the University. You should not share or discuss the details of your plan with other students.

As long as you adhere to the agreed payment schedule, provisional registration is treated the same as full registration. It is also a valid registration status for international students holding visas.

However, if you fail to meet a scheduled payment, you risk exclusion from the University. This would mean you would no longer be permitted to attend classes, access University facilities, or continue your studies. For international students, continued residence in the UK under your student visa would also be a breach of visa conditions.

How do I apply for the scheme?

If you have genuine reasons for requesting a personal payment plan, you will need to complete the Personal Payments Scheme application form:

Personal payments scheme application form

When filling in the form, you will be asked to:

  • Explain why you are unable to follow a standard payment plan.
  • State how and when you will be able to pay your fees.
  • Confirm that you have read this guidance and understand the implications of paying through the scheme.

You may also be required to:

  • Complete the University’s online money planner.
  • Provide supporting evidence (eg bank statements or financial documents).

What factors will be considered when reviewing my application?

When you apply for a personal payment plan, the Student Fees and Funding team will:

  • Assess how much money you have available for both tuition fees and living expenses. If there are serious concerns about your ability to pay, you may be asked to defer, suspend, or withdraw from your studies. For more details, refer to:
  • Review the timing of your income (cash flow) to see if a suitable payment plan can be agreed that works for both you and the University.

What kind of payment plan might be offered?

  • The University expects tuition fees to be paid upfront or in advance. You cannot request to pay late or at the end of the academic year.
  • A termly payment plan (three instalments) may be possible if this matches the timing of your funding.
  • A monthly payment plan may be agreed for up to six months to help spread the cost.
  • If the plan you request is not approved, the University may suggest an alternative. If you cannot accept the alternative, you must apply for a leave of absence (student login required) within seven days. Otherwise, withdrawal procedures will begin.
  • Instalments will usually be higher at the start of the plan – you cannot defer most of your fees until later in the academic year.
  • Each application is considered individually.

Important to note:

  • You are responsible for covering any exchange rate fluctuations or bank transfer charges.
  • The University will not refund bank charges or adjust fees if exchange rates increase the cost of your payments.

What happens if I miss a payment?

The University expects you to pay your fees on time, in line with your agreed plan. To help you prepare, you will receive an email reminder around 10 days before each payment is due.

  • If your circumstances change unexpectedly
     If you know you will not be able to make a payment due to a change in your financial situation, you should reapply and explain what has happened. The Student Fees and Funding team will review your case and may invite you to an appointment to discuss your options.
  • If you miss a payment without warning or permission
    • You will receive an overdue payment notice (sent to your University and any other registered email addresses) with an absolute deadline for payment.
    • If payment is still not received by that deadline:
      • Your academic department will be informed.
      • Your University computer account will be disabled.
      • Your library and building access will be stopped.
      • You will be excluded from the University, meaning you cannot attend classes, meet supervisors, use facilities, or progress with your degree.
      • If you are an international student, the UKVI will be notified. This means you will be required to return to your home country, as staying in the UK would breach your visa conditions.
  • If you can no longer meet the agreed plan
     You are strongly advised to apply for a Leave of Absence. This allows you to pause your studies and return at a later date.