The Student Loans Company will pay second loan instalments to over a million students this January.

The main payment date will be Monday 9 January when around 987,000 students will receive their second instalments.

The funds are paid through the BACS system directly into students' bank accounts.

The majority of students in the UK are paid their loan and grants in three instalments during the academic year and payment dates vary, depending on the university or college they attend.

Students should check their payment dates at: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance