The deadline for student finance applications is drawing near! But don’t panic, we’ve got all you need to know right here.
Applying for student finance on time is important, because it means you won’t be panicking about form-filling and finances when you should be enjoying fresher’s week. Submitting your application on time also ensures you’ll have your maintenance loan in place for the start of term, so you won’t be ringing the bank of mum & dad begging for money all the time.
When is the deadline?
This year the deadline to apply for Student Finance England to ensure you receive your first payment on time is 31st May 2015. You can still apply after this date, up until 9 months after your course starts, but payments will probably be delayed.
The deadline to apply for Student Awards Agency Scotland to receive your first payment by the start of your course is the 30th of June 2015.
For Student Finance Wales the deadline has already passed, so you should apply as soon as possible to make sure you have funding in place as close as possible to the start date of your course.
Student Finance Northern Ireland can process applications within 6 weeks, but you should apply as soon as possible to make sure you have financial support in place prior to starting your course.
How do I apply?
England:
Most full-time and part-time students from England can apply online to Student Finance England. You don’t even need to have confirmed your place to apply, so even if you’re having any last minute thoughts about using the clearing process, still apply now. You can always update your course and university details after applying.
To apply online, go to Student Finance England and set-up an online account. Once you’ve done that, simply log in and complete the application in your own time. You can also save your progress along the way so don’t feel that you have to get it all done in one sitting. You’ll need to include details of your household income (including parents and/or partner), so make sure you have this info to hand! In some cases, you will also be required to send proof of identity. Once you’ve done all that, Student Finance England will process your application and aim to send you an offer letter with a loan declaration within 6 weeks. When you receive the loan declaration, sign and return it, and you’re good to go!
Scotland:
In Scotland, full-time, part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for funding through the Student Awards Agency Scotland. You should complete your application online before the 30th of June and provide any relevant documents and supporting evidence before the 1st August to make sure funding is in place, prior to the beginning of your course.
Again, you don’t need to wait for exam results or an unconditional offer before you can apply for funding. You should apply with your first choice and make any changes to your course or university through your online account if necessary.
Wales:
Students from Wales need to apply to Student Finance Wales. The application process is also online, and will require similar evidence to Student Finance England and the Student Awards Agency Scotland. You should set up an account, and provide all the information required as soon as possible, and update details if your personal circumstance, course or university change.
Northern Ireland:
Students from Northern Ireland will need to apply to Student Finance Northern Ireland. You will need a national insurance number to complete your application. You can apply online or by paper. To apply online you should register for an account, and then log in using your customer reference number and provide the required details. Once completed, you will be given an estimate of the amount of financial support you may be entitled to. You will then be asked which forms of evidence you would like to provide to support your application. You should send your evidence as soon as possible, as applications cannot be processed without this. To apply via paper application, download the forms you can find online here.
So there you have it, there’s no excuse now! Get your application in by Sunday and you should be fully financially prepared for freshers week!
erm…and for your time in education. Ahem.
