Is Plan 4 repaid at the same rate when I live overseas?

Plan 4 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 4?

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 4 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.

Plan 4 Overseas Student Loan Repayment

Estimate Plan 4 student loan repayments while living abroad. See how overseas thresholds and local salary conversion affect Scottish student loan payments.

What counts for Plan 4 overseas repayments?

Plan 4 applies to Scottish student loans. Overseas repayments are calculated after converting your salary to GBP and comparing it with the threshold for your country of residence.

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 4?

Plan 4 is normally used for Scottish student loans administered through SAAS/SLC. If you studied in Scotland and now live overseas, your repayment notice may use Plan 4 thresholds.

Repayment rate

Plan 4 repayments are usually 9% of income above the overseas threshold.

Overseas calculation notes

Plan 4 has its own overseas threshold table, so it should not be estimated using Plan 1 or Plan 2 figures.
The repayment rate is 9% of converted income above the Plan 4 overseas threshold for your country.

Before calculating

Check your SLC account or overseas assessment letter for Plan 4.
Use the local salary currency for your country of residence.
Remember that the estimate does not include account-specific interest or arrears arrangements.

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 4 repaid at the same rate when I live overseas?: Plan 4 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 4?: 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 4 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.

Open calculator How the formula works