Student Loans Company (SLC)
Pays student loans and grants on behalf of the UK nations and collects repayments with HMRC.
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Student finance
Tuition fee and maintenance loans for higher education. Eligibility depends on residence and immigration status. Students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland apply to their own body.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: student finance www.gov.uk/student-finance | England |
| GOV.UK: how to apply for student finance www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance | England |
| Student Finance Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/ | Wales |
| Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) www.saas.gov.uk/ | Scotland |
| Student Finance NI www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/ | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Check what you are eligible for: Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and any extra help.
- Create a student finance online account and apply. You do not need a confirmed university place to apply.
- Your parents or partner may need to confirm their household income.
- Send proof of identity if asked. You can still apply up to 9 months after your course's academic year starts, but apply early.
What you need
- Valid passport details (or other proof of identity if you do not have a UK passport).
- Details of your course and university or college.
- Household income details, if your parents or partner need to provide them.
Common mistakes
- Applying in the wrong way (online when you should apply by post, or the reverse). It delays your application.
- Applying to Student Finance England when you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Applying late and starting your course before the money arrives.