Petition · Department for Education

Provide maintenance loans to distance learners

Closed 80 signatures

What the petition asks

Student Finance England should provide maintenance loans for distance learners. We believe this can help ensure those who want to start or change careers without uprooting, by studying flexibly online, aren't priced out of doing so.
Unless they have a disability preventing them attending a course in person, English students aren't usually eligible for maintenance loans if they study remotely. This can mean those from lower income households can't access some courses, including those that do not require formal qualifications.

Timeline

29 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
28 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 80
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 29 Aug 2025
Closed 28 Feb 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Aug 2026.