Students invited to apply now for finance as the application service launches for 2021/22

So far this year, The Student Loans Company (SLC) has funded more than a million students and anticipates an increase in applications for academic year 21/22.

The quickest and easiest way to apply is onlineand students should do so as soon as possible to ensure their finance is in place for the start of term. Students should apply now even if they are unsure what course they will be doing or what university they will attend.

The application service opened during SLC’s Student Money Week (1-5 March). Throughout the week, students and their parents and partners will be able to access information about the application process via a series of online Q&A sessions and Facebook events hosted by SLC’s team of expert customer advisors.

Applying for student finance is straightforward and students can make the process easier by following the tips below:

Apply Early

Apply as early as possible to make sure your finances are in place before your studies start. The deadline to apply is 21 May for new students and 25 June for continuing students. Even if you don’t know what course you are doing, you should apply now, just use the course you think you are most likely to do and you can update the application later if required.

Make sure you understand how much funding you may be entitled to

You can apply for Tuition Fee Loans to cover your fees and Maintenance Loans to help with living costs. You can use the student finance calculator to get an estimate of how much you could be entitled to https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator

Have your important documents at hand

Have your National Insurance Number and UK passport details to hand before you start your application as you will be asked for this information when you apply.

Provide your supporting evidence online

Don’t forget to submit any evidence you are asked for. All evidence apart from some forms of ID or residency evidence can be submitted digitally via your online account.

Ensure that you say if you have studied before

If you have studied before it could affect your eligibility – even if your previous course was self-funded. Make sure to submit your application early so your entitlement can be confirmed.

Check if you are eligible for extra support

There may be circumstances where you are able to access some extra money, for example if you are disabled, have children or are studying for a medical, social work or teaching course. You can find out more about what is available here. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/extra-helpFollow Student Finance England (SFE) on Facebook and Twitter

Students can get all the latest information on student finance and put their questions to our customer advisors via the SFE social media channels.

Derek Ross, SLC Executive Director of Operations, said: “The launch of the application service signals that it is time for students to get on with the important business of organising their finances.

"We expect it to be a busy year with more applications than ever and are urging students to apply now. Students that apply before the deadline can be confident knowing their finance will be in place for the start of term.”

“Resources are available online to help students and their parents and partners with their applications and they can also follow Student Finance England on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest student finance information.”

New and returning students can apply online at https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/