University students are now receiving LESS money from their parents

The National Student Money Survey 2026 reveals the full extent of the financial challenges facing those at university, including falling parental contributions.

Credit: David Prado Perucha – Shutterstock

We've published the results of our thirteenth annual National Student Money Survey, with insights into the effects of a Maintenance Loan that hasn't kept pace with inflation, and a decline in parental contributions.

The headline findings from the survey include:

• Surveyed students spend an average of £1,142 per month
• On average, Maintenance Loans fall short of covering living costs by £502 per month
• Almost three in five skip meals at least some of the time to save money
• The proportion using a food bank has risen to 10%, up from 9% last year
• 41% have thought about dropping out of university due to money-related issues
• The average parental contribution has dropped to £146 per month, with students from middle-income households the hardest hit.

Many of these findings only represent a very small improvement, if any, on the results recorded at the peak of the cost of living crisis.

For example, for three years in a row, the average shortfall between loans and living costs has exceeded £500 per month. This is over double the £223 shortfall recorded in 2020.

Similarly, although the proportion of respondents reporting some kind of food poverty (either using a food bank, or skipping meals to save money) has declined, the figures remain alarmingly high.

In addition to the fact that Maintenance Loans have fallen far short of inflation in the past five years – something we have campaigned to change – students are also suffering from a drop in parental contributions.

And, as the table below highlights, respondents from middle-income households (£35,001 – £50,000) have been the hardest hit:

Students from these backgrounds have always been in a tricky situation. Unlike those from the richest households, their parents aren't always able to support them to the extent expected by the government.

And, unlike students from the lowest-income backgrounds, they don't receive the maximum loan and aren't eligible for as many bursaries, grants and scholarships either.

The year-on-year decline in the amount they're receiving from their parents has put even further pressure on these students, who will now be forced to explore other sources of income to cover their living costs.

One respondent to the survey said:

My loan doesn't cover my rent, and not at all over summer. I get [the] minimum loan but my parents still can't afford to give me any money. This upcoming year will be the first they support me financially, because I was so upset they somehow found the money.

While another added:

They assume parents are going to be capable of supporting their children, and give the children lower loans. The loans just aren't great at all – most of my friends work two or three jobs to make rent and have a social life.

Expert comments

Tom Allingham, Save the Student's student money expert, commented:

This year's survey results confirm what we've long feared: that failing to tie Maintenance Loans to rising costs would lead to a never-ending cost of living crisis for students.

Although inflation has drastically fallen since its peak in 2022, the same cannot be said for the level of financial hardship uncovered by our reports. At £502 per month, the average shortfall between loans and living costs is close to its highest ever level, and more than three in five respondents are still skipping meals to save money.

At the same time, the average amount students receive from their parents is declining, with our findings suggesting those from middle-income households have been hardest hit.

Students from these backgrounds have always been at particular risk, as they're eligible for fewer bursaries, don't receive the maximum loan and, as these results show, come from families that often can't fund them to the extent expected by the government.

One simple solution is to raise the lower household income threshold – the point at which a student receives the maximum loan – to reflect the growth in average wages since it was set in 2007. This would drastically increase the amount most students receive, and in turn reduce the contributions expected from their families.

But first and foremost, Maintenance Loans must increase to catch up with inflation and reverse years of real-terms cuts. We're demanding the government do this, to ensure that funding a degree is no longer such a struggle for students and their families.

We also approached the government for a comment. In response to the survey, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

University should be a time to grow, thrive and prepare for your future career, but this government recognises that too many students are facing real financial hardship.

That's why I am determined to fix the foundations of Higher Education to deliver change for students – restoring universities as engines of growth, aspiration and opportunity.

Our Post-16 Skills Strategy White Paper will soon set out how we plan to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and ensure universities are delivering world-class teaching and clear routes into good jobs.

Meanwhile, Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK (UUK), said:

Money should not be a barrier to students accessing life-changing opportunities at university or be a reason students consider dropping out. Universities are stepping up efforts, with many offering bursaries, support schemes and assistance funds, but they can only do so much, particularly in the current financial climate.

We also need governments across the UK to increase the student maintenance package, and we were pleased to see the Maintenance Loan in England increase in line with inflation this year. Moving forward, we believe this should be a permanent policy, so that students are not faced with falling support at the same time as costs rise.

For any student that is struggling, we would encourage you to talk to your university's student support team.

If you'd like more information about the National Student Money Survey 2025, including additional commentary, please get in touch via our press office.

For additional stats on housing, check out our latest National Student Accommodation Survey.