Note: Student Finance is only available for undergraduate and masters courses (from Level 4). It is not available for students doing A levels/ Level 2 or 3 courses at colleges. If you need help financially for students attending colleges, please ask the institution. There are grants that they may get access to.
This application takes less than 15 mins to complete. If you’ve been freaking out about the process, trust me it is quite easy. I know a few Caribbean students who have already completed the application and been approved.
When applying for Student Finance England (SFE) it is very important to have all of the information you need ready. This will make the process much quicker, and you may be able to get a response sooner than later since they probably won’t need to request anything else from you.
Personal Information & Course Details
You will first need to input your personal details such as your name and date of birth as well as your contact information. You will then need to state your university name and course code and whether or not you will be paying 9,250 or more in tuition fees.
Course Code Example: AMTP
If you have not been accepted yet to your desired course, don’t worry. You can change your course details after the application is submitted.
There will be a series of questions that you MUST answer truthfully in order for your eligibility to be properly assessed – (e.g. nationality, residency history, dependants, disabilities). Do not lie on this application. Remember that you are entering into a contract with SFE and if you do so under false pretences, there could be serious consequences.
Bank Account Details
If you have a England bank account, ensure that you enter the details correctly and that you double, triple, quadruple check! Any money paid into the wrong account is not recoverable and you will still be responsible for repaying it. Incorrect details also delay your payments.
You will need your passport details an National Insurance Number (if you have one.)
If you do not own an account you can make an account when you arrive. The banks allow students to make a student account from 3 months before your course begins. You will use your UCAS details and your accommodations address.
If you do not currently have an National Insurance Number, do not worry. If SFE deems you eligible for student finance, you will be issued a National Insurance Number and you will receive it in the mail.
Once you have submitted your application
SFE may contact you to ask for evidence to prove your residency and or financial status. Keep a close eye on your email so that you can respond to them quickly and progress your application. They may also need your spouse, parent or guardian to disclose their finances. This is so that they can assess how much money you are entitled to for your maintenance loan. The person you nominate to support your application will get an email that will allow them to log into the SFE portal and upload the necessary information.
After SFE has processed your application and made a decision, you will be able to see the status of your application on the portal (eligible or ineligible). They will send an official letter to the home address you provided stating this as well. If your application was successful, this letter will also tell you how much money you will be getting and the dates that you will be getting it.
Payments
Your tuition will be paid by SFE directly to your university after you have enrolled. You will receive your maintenance loan in instalments and it will be paid into the bank account that you provided details for.
Written By: Khyra West | Montserrat | BA Education with Pyschology and Counselling
Once you’ve completed your application, create your budget for your trip, buying what you need for your room, kitchen, groceries and preparing for the winter.