Application
Students only need to apply once for the Postgraduate Master's Loan as the application and funding is for the whole of their course. If they're studying over two or more academic years, they'll get a letter before the beginning of each year confirming their payments for the upcoming academic year.
Online application
Applications for 2023 to 2024 are now open.
The quickest way for a student to apply for a Postgraduate Master's Loan is online at www.gov.uk/masters-loan.
If the student has applied for student finance from us in the past they should use their existing login information.
When they register they’ll be given a unique Customer Reference Number and be asked to create a password and secret answer.
When they apply they’ll be asked for proof of their identity. They can do this by giving us their valid UK passport details on their application. If they don’t have a UK passport, they might have to send us evidence, such as a non-UK passport or their UK birth or adoption certificate.
Paper application form
If they can’t apply online, they should download a paper application form at www.gov.uk/masters-loan
They should be advised to download the application notes with the application form to prevent any missing information or evidence delaying their application.
When to apply
They should apply as soon as possible, so that their money is ready in time for the start of their course. We'll contact them if we need any further information or evidence.
Missing information or evidence
If an application is submitted without all the information we need we’ll contact them to remind them to send this as soon as they can. We won't make any payments to them until we have all the information and evidence we need.
They can check if there is any outstanding information by logging into their online account.
Application deadline
Students must apply no more than nine months after the first day of the first academic year of their course if they’re studying a one-year course. Or, if their course is longer than one year, no more than nine months after the first day of the second year of their course.
The first day of the academic year is:
- 1 September, if their course starts between 1 August and 31 December
- 1 January, if their course starts between 1 January and 31 March
- 1 April, if their course starts between 1 April and 30 June
- 1 July, if their course starts between 1 July and 31 July
Additional forms
In some cases they may need to complete additional forms to give further information about their application or personal details. These can be found at www.gov.uk/masters-loan
