Plan 1 Overseas Student Loan Repayment
Learn how Plan 1 UK student loan repayments work when you live overseas, including thresholds, the 9% repayment rate, and how to estimate your monthly payment.
What counts for Plan 1 overseas repayments?
Plan 1 overseas repayments use country-specific earnings thresholds. If your converted annual income is above the threshold for the country where you live, Student Finance expects 9% of the amount above that threshold.
The calculator supports the current published overseas threshold tables for 2026-27. Enter your country of residence and annual gross salary in local currency to estimate your monthly repayment.
Who usually uses Plan 1?
Plan 1 commonly applies to older English and Welsh undergraduate loans, and to Northern Irish student loans. If your SLC account or letter says Plan 1, use this plan even if you now live outside the UK.
Repayment rate
Plan 1 repayments are usually 9% of income above the overseas threshold.
Overseas calculation notes
- The overseas threshold is not one global figure. It changes by country, because SLC publishes country-specific thresholds and exchange rates.
- For Plan 1, the repayment rate is 9% of converted income above the overseas threshold. Income below the threshold should produce a zero repayment estimate.
Before calculating
- Confirm your account says Plan 1 rather than Plan 2, Plan 4, or Plan 5.
- Enter gross annual salary in your local currency before local income tax.
- Compare the result with your SLC overseas repayment notice before making payment decisions.
Source note: repayment rates and overseas threshold handling are based on public GOV.UK and Student Loans Company guidance for supported tax years. This page was last reviewed on 8 May 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Plan 1 repaid at the same rate when I live overseas?
- Plan 1 overseas repayments are calculated at 9% of income above the relevant overseas threshold. The rate is familiar, but the threshold is country-specific rather than the normal UK payroll threshold.
- Which income figure should I use for Plan 1?
- Use gross annual income before local tax, social insurance, pension deductions, or other payroll deductions. If your pay includes regular bonuses or allowances, include them in the annual figure.
- Can I use the UK threshold for Plan 1 while abroad?
- No. Overseas repayments use the Student Loans Company overseas threshold table for your country of residence and tax year, so the UK payroll threshold is not the right comparison point.
- What if I also have a Postgraduate Loan?
- A Postgraduate Loan is calculated separately at its own rate and threshold. If you have one, add that estimate to your undergraduate repayment estimate.
Important caveats
This tool is an estimate. Official repayment notices can use different exchange rates, updated thresholds, or account-specific details. Always verify final amounts with the Student Loans Company.