Yes, if you're 18 or over, have the right to live and work in the UK, and can show you can afford the repayments. Being a student doesn't rule you out on its own.
If you're on a visa
- Student visa: it doesn't allow you to be self-employed, so you can't get a Start Up Loan while it's your immigration status.
- Other visas: you can apply if your visa gives you the right to live and work in the UK and allows self-employment. The loan must be repaid six months before the visa ends, which limits the term. See I'm on a visa: am I still eligible?.
Can you afford it?
Affordability is often the bigger hurdle for students. Your personal survival budget needs to show income that covers your living costs and the repayments while the business grows. See What is your personal survival budget?
Can you give it the time?
Your plan should be realistic about how much time you can spend on the business alongside your studies.
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Last reviewed: 8 October 2026