NHS Doctor Faces Unmanageable Student Loan Debt

Jordan Hartwell

Published: January 29, 2026 5:51 PM ET

Arthur Joustra, a 27-year-old paediatrics trainee doctor in the NHS, faces overwhelming student loan debt. Initially optimistic about his medical career, he graduated in 2022 with £65,000 in loans. Unfortunately, by April 2024, his debt ballooned to £70,177.83. Despite repaying over £3,000 in the year leading to April 2025, his total debt increased to £72,320.58.

NHS Doctor Faces Unmanageable Student Loan Debt

Mr. Joustra expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of his debt. He feels there is a “zero percent” chance of fully repaying his loan without a secondary source of income. He stated, “The interest is never-ending.” He believes he can only start addressing his debt meaningfully after becoming a consultant, which requires earning over £70,000.

Growing Financial Pressure on Graduates

Many graduates are similarly burdened. Rising inflation rates in the UK have resulted in student debt outpacing wage growth. The government faces increasing pressure to reform student loan repayment options, especially following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to freeze the repayment threshold in the recent Budget announcement.

Graduates earning above £28,470 per year have automatic deductions from their wages.
Those with plan two loans, issued between 2012 and 2023, repay 9% of their income exceeding the threshold.
Loans are written off after 30 years, but the interest begins accruing immediately.

Interest rates are linked to the retail price index (RPI) plus up to three percentage points, depending on income levels. Graduates earning £51,245 or more face the maximum additional interest rate of three percent.

Alarming Trends in Student Debt

According to The Times, since 2016, the trend has reversed, with debt accumulation tripling the amount repaid during the 2023-24 tax year. The National Union of Students (NUS) has echoed concerns about this three-year freeze on repayments, warning it may jeopardize graduates’ ability to meet basic living costs such as rent and food.

Many graduates now feel discouraged from taking additional shifts or pursuing promotions due to the heavy deductions associated with their student loans. Mr. Joustra noted that extra shifts often do not justify the effort when income tax and student loan payments are factored in.

Impact on Home Ownership

Other graduates, like Jo Lisney, are finding their student loans hinder home ownership. At 27, Lisney graduated in 2021 with an English literature degree. Despite having a £60,000 deposit, she discovered that her student loan reduced her mortgage eligibility significantly.

Lisney was advised to increase her deposit for a mortgage of £240,000 due to her student debt.
She feels penalized for being single and works hard to secure a mortgage independently.

Oliver Gardner, 26, has launched a campaign named ‘rethink repayment’. He advocates for lowering the repayment rate from nine percent to five percent. He warns that the current system may prevent a generation from reaching their aspirations.

Despite these appeals, the government maintains that the current measures are necessary. A spokesperson from the Department for Education emphasized a commitment to reforming the student finance system to aid future students while safeguarding taxpayers’ interests.