Applying for student finance might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s really straightforward and future you will be so glad you got it sorted early!
Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing for another year, here’s everything you need to know.
What can you apply for?
Through Student Finance England, you can apply for:
• Tuition Fee Loan - Covers the cost of your course (paid directly to the university).
• Maintenance Loan - Helps with living costs like rent, food, and bills. The amount you receive depends on your household income and whether you live at home or away at university.
• Extra Support - You might also be eligible for additional grants if you have a disability, children, or an adult dependant.
How do you apply?
It’s easier than you think and takes less than 30 minutes to complete!
Head to the Student Finance England website to get started:
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Create an account on the Student Finance England website.
- Fill in the application - you’ll be asked about your course and some personal details.
- Upload any required documents (such as proof of identity).
- Parents/guardians submit their income details - they’ll receive an email each.
- Wait for confirmation and check your account regularly. (Don’t worry if it’s not confirmed straight away - this usually happens closer to the start of your course.)
Here are some useful tips:
• Start early and make sure you get your application in as soon as possible.• Be prepared! Have ID, bank details, and course information on hand as this will help speed up the process.
• Plan your budget - once you know how much you’ll receive, start thinking about how to manage your monthly expenses. Deduct your rent from your loan amount to figure out roughly how much you have to budget for.
• Use a calculator to predict how much student finance you may get to budget early (note the amount you receive may vary).
• Make sure you set aside money for any trips or holidays early on if it’s part of your budget.
• Stay organised - check your emails and student finance account in case they ask for further information.
• Ask for help if you need it - the university’s student support team is there to guide you.
Now you’ve got everything you need to apply!
Get your application in on time and start budgeting for what you think you’ll spend that money on.
You’ve got this!