Pay for your course over time — not all upfront
StepEx repayment plans are regulated credit agreements. You borrow to pay tuition fees and repay over time according to the terms of your agreement.
If you've been offered a place on a course but can't afford to pay the fees upfront, StepEx may let you spread the cost over time through regulated education finance.
StepEx is only available through participating UK education providers. If you're not sure whether your course provider works with StepEx, ask them. If they don't, unfortunately we can't offer finance for that course right now — but we're adding new providers all the time.
If your provider does work with StepEx, you'll be able to apply directly with StepEx and you'll see everything clearly before you decide.
When StepEx may be right for you
StepEx may be suitable if you:
Have been accepted onto a course with a participating education provider
Are able to repay over time, but cannot afford to pay the full fee upfront
Are comfortable managing your finance agreement and repayments through an online StepEx portal
Want clear terms, regulated protections, and no hidden surprises
How StepEx works
Your education provider offers StepEx as a way to pay for your course.
You apply directly with StepEx (separately from your course enrolment steps).
StepEx assesses your application, including eligibility and affordability.
If approved, you enter into a regulated finance agreement with StepEx.
StepEx settles the financed course fees with your education provider.
You repay StepEx over time, in line with the terms you agree to.
Your education provider delivers the course. StepEx provides and manages the finance.
What you'll see before you decide
Before you accept any finance, StepEx will clearly show you:
How much you are borrowing
How much you are expected to repay in total
When repayments are due
Any interest or charges included
Your rights to withdraw or repay early
You'll have the opportunity to review all key information before entering into an agreement.
Typical non-refundable fees
Depending on your course, the following non-refundable fees may apply during the application or onboarding process:
| Application fee: | £20 |
| Deposit: | course-dependent |
| Monthly platform fee: | typically £1 (can range from £0 to £10) |
Any applicable fees will be shown clearly before you proceed.
What if things don't go to plan?
- •For some of our products, if your income falls below the minimum threshold, repayments may be reduced or paused if you submit income evidence in the required format by the deadline.
- •You will be able to apply for a financial distress consideration. If you can evidence to StepEx's satisfaction that making repayments would place you into financial difficulty, we will attempt to restructure repayments to better suit your circumstances.
- •If you miss repayments, arrears may accrue and your credit record may be affected.
- •Continued non-payment can result in enforcement action, as set out in your credit agreement.
Types of repayment plans
Depending on your course and provider, StepEx may offer different regulated repayment structures, including:
Fixed repayment plans
Repayments follow a fixed schedule over an agreed period. Payments may begin during the course, at course start, or after completion.
Deferred repayment plans with income thresholds
Fixed repayments that only begin once your income exceeds an agreed level. Designed to align repayments with your ability to pay.
Earnings-linked repayment options (for some courses)
Repayments may vary with income over time. Available only for certain programmes.
Not all options are available for every course. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances.
Responsible, regulated finance
Regulated credit is provided by StepEx Lender Ltd, an FCA-authorised consumer credit firm and a wholly owned subsidiary of Step Exchange Ltd. This means:
Finance is offered only where repayments are assessed as affordable. Your circumstances are considered before approval.
You are protected by UK consumer credit law. StepEx must treat you fairly and provide clear information.
StepEx may use information such as: Credit reference data, Bank transaction data (where applicable), Other relevant information to assess applications responsibly.
Help and support
Only the information shown on your course's StepEx page and during the application process should be relied upon.
For most questions, you'll get the fastest answer by:
- Checking the FAQs
- Using the chatbot during the application journey
If you already have a StepEx agreement, you'll be able to manage your application, repayments, and access support through the StepEx portal.
Ready to apply?
StepEx finance is available only through participating education providers.
If your provider works with StepEx, you can apply directly with StepEx and you'll be shown all relevant information before making a decision. If you're unsure whether your provider offers StepEx, ask them directly.
If you are unhappy with how your credit agreement is administered, you may complain to StepEx and, if unresolved, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Regulated credit is provided by StepEx Lender Ltd, an FCA-authorised consumer credit firm and a wholly owned subsidiary of Step Exchange Ltd. Finance is subject to eligibility and affordability checks. Terms vary by course and provider.