This post first published: 10 March 2025
It's time for new and continuing full-time undergraduate students from England to apply for student finance!
We're encouraging students to apply now, to make sure that their funding is in place for the start of their course. If they apply now, they can make sure their application is approved on time, and they can focus on their current studies.
Students don't need a confirmed place at university or college to apply for student finance. There's no need to wait for UCAS offers.
Students should apply using their preferred choice and they can change their uni, college or course details when they get their A-level results.
If they decide not to go to uni or college this year, they can cancel their application online, so they shouldn't wait to apply!
What's available
Before students apply, they can check:
- what student finance is available
- what type of funding they're eligible for
- an estimate of how much they can get
How to apply
Let your students know that it's quick and easy to apply online.
New students should create an account and will need their:
- passport details
- bank details
- National Insurance number
Continuing students should re-apply by logging into their online account.
When to apply
It's important for students to apply early to ensure their funding is in place for the start of their course.
We process over 1 million applications each year, so we're encouraging students to apply today to make sure they don't delay their funding.
What happens next
It can take up to 8 weeks to process an application, so encourage students to apply early to make sure they get their student finance in time for starting their course.
Applications for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can take up to 14 weeks to be processed, so it's crucial for students to apply early for this support to ensure they get it on time. DSA is assessed separately from students' main applications, so applying for DSA won't affect their application for main funding.
Students can use their online account to track the progress of their application.
Extra help
Students who are applying for extra support like the Childcare Grant or Parents' Learning Allowance might need to wait longer while we assess their full entitlement. They should apply and provide their supporting documents straight away to avoid delays.
We have cost of living - student finance support guidance, share this with students to make sure they're getting the maximum funding they're entitled to and direct them to any extra support they may need during their studies.
Social media
We'll be promoting that our applications have opened on social media, follow us and stay up to date!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SFEngland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentfinance_england
YouTube: http://youtube.com/SFEFILM
