As the government debates increasing university tuition fees for the first time in eight years, UK student loan repayment plans may well change again.

The current plans depend on when you started your course, where you live and how much you earn.

Student loans are typically made up of a loan for tuition fees and a maintenance loan for living expenses. The Student Loans Company says graduates in England leave university with average debts of £48,470.

With fees currently up to £9,250 per year and spiralling accommodation costs, many students fear they will never be able to pay them off.

Here's a guide to the different plans, including when the fees might finally be written off. All loans are taken out on a numbered plan - details of this will be in your loan offer.

When Plan 1 loans get written off

When your Plan 1 loan gets written off depends on when you were paid the first loan for your course.

If you were paid the first loan on or after 1 September 2006, the loans for your course will be written off 25 years after the April you were first due to repay.

If you were paid the first loan before 1 September 2006, the loans for your course will be written off when you’re 65.

When Plan 2 loans get written off

Plan 2 loans are written off 30 years after the April you were first due to repay.

When Plan 4 loans get written off

When your Plan 4 loan gets written off depends on when you were paid the first loan for your course.

If you were paid the first loan on or after 1 August 2007, the loans for your course will be written off 30 years after the April you were first due to repay.

If you were paid the first loan before 1 August 2007, the loans for your course will be written off when you’re 65, or 30 years after the April you were first due to repay – whichever comes first.

When Plan 5 loans get written off

Plan 5 loans are written off 40 years after the April you were first due to repay.

When Postgraduate Loans get written off

If you’re a student from England or Wales, your Postgraduate Loan will be written off 30 years after the April you were first due to repay.

If you’re a postgraduate student from Northern Ireland, you’re on Plan 1.

If you’re a postgraduate student from Scotland, you’re on Plan 4.

If someone with a student loan dies

The Student Loans Company will cancel the person’s student loan.

You need to let SLC know that the person has died and provide evidence (for example an original death certificate), as well as the person’s Customer Reference Number.

If you can no longer work because of illness or disability

SLC may be able to cancel your loan if you claim certain disability benefits. You’ll need to provide evidence (for example a letter from the benefits agency) and your Customer Reference Number.

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The small print - read this bit carefully

There's a sting in the tail with student loans, so it's worth being aware. Students are charged interest on the loan from the day they take out the loan, and the amount varies across the UK.

Unlike some other loans, the terms and conditions can change after you have borrowed the money. Any interest rate rises will apply to all student loans, not just new applications. 

Also, you still have to repay your student loan, even if you leave your course early or don't graduate. 

There's a tiny bit of good news though - there’s no penalty for paying some or all of your loan off early.