A guide to student loan repayments

From 1 August 2016, for the first time, new master's students will be able to apply for Student Loans Company loans of up to £10,000 to pay for their courses – these will then only need repaying if they earn enough once the course ends.

Student loans do not go on credit files.

Credit card and mortgage agencies may ask on application forms if you have a student loan, but it shouldn't be a factor in any transaction decision they make.

Student debt can impact a mortgage decision but only on the affordability checks that establish your ability to afford mortgage repayments. But as you'd be in a full time job to be paying back your student loan, it shouldn't be too detrimental.

Yes. Although this is not recommended.

With your student loan debt being written off after 30 years, many might not eventually repay the amount they owe, so paying it all off in advance of that could in fact be wasting money. In general, people are encouraged to pay off their debts as quickly as possible, but with your student loan there's no rush.

No. Your repayments are made through your company payroll and will be deducted in the same method as income tax.

If you leave the country or become unemployed, the student loan company may send you a letter asking for an update on your circumstances, but they are not chasing you for money.