Message from David Wallace, Deputy CEO of the Student Loans Company
Students in England thinking of going to University for the first time this autumn should complete their funding applications online as soon as possible.
Absolutely everyone has had to come to terms with change this year. The feeling that life has been placed 鈥渙n hold鈥� is understandable 鈥� but it also provides an opportunity to get things done.
So many people are finding creative and flexible ways to use time to their advantage, and one of the things we鈥檇 urge students in England who may be considering going to University this year to do, is to make sure they get their applications for student funding in as early as possible.
It doesn鈥檛 matter if you are not certain of which course or in which University you will ultimately enrol. The main thing is to invest time now to ensure funding will not be an issue later on. Everything else can be altered once your University place is confirmed.
There鈥檚 lots of help available for new students (see links below) and applications can be completed online at www.gov.uk/studentfinance
Returning SLC customers; those not requesting student finance for the first time, are also urged to get their funding renewal applications in as soon as possible. New and Returning students can apply at www.gov.uk/studentfinance.
I can鈥檛 stress enough that there are good reasons to get applications in early - not least that it鈥檚 the best way to ensure your funding will be in place for the start of the new term.
Like everyone else, the Student Loans Company has had to radically change how things are done and I鈥檓 immensely grateful to colleagues who have shifted their location and way of working, allowing us to continue processing and administering the millions of loan applications we receive each year.
It鈥檚 what we do and our work is ongoing, but we are aware that some people have experienced delays in getting online at busy times of day. We know this is frustrating and appreciate your patience and understanding. We are usually less busy after 5pm so if you are unable to get online right away, please try again later.
SLC exists to enable students to invest in their future through access to further and higher education.
Information for new students in England applying for student finance online
The easiest way to apply is online at gov.uk/studentfinance and SLC has produced the following guide and a video to help with the process:
There is also a dedicated resource for parents and partners who are supporting applications here
Student Finance England has more information on the online student community forum, and also on a dedicated area on the
Students can also follow SFE at , or to keep up with all the latest news alerts.