Currently the only real option available is to pay the tuition fees yourself. Some students have accessed family and community fund-raising networks to help source their tuition fees. 

The UK government is introducing Alternative Student Finance (ASF) to make higher education more accessible for students whose religious beliefs prevent them from using interest-bearing loans, particularly within the Muslim community. ASF will be a state-backed, Sharia-compliant finance option based on the Islamic principle of Takaful, which emphasizes mutual support.

Instead of traditional loans, students will receive “alternative payments” for tuition and living costs, with repayments made after graduation based on income - mirroring the current student loan system. ASF ensures equal financial treatment and will be available through Student Finance England. It’s expected to launch shortly after the 2026/27 Lifelong Learning Entitlement reform.

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