Applying For A Student Loan
How do I apply?
You apply through a form that you'll use to apply for all of your student support, including grants, and you'll do that through whichever funding body that's appropriate for you. What we'll do is assess your eligibility for a loan, and then how much that you can receive depending on family income and all other factors that apply. Then, we'll send you a letter telling you the size of loan you can take out, and it's up to you whether you take out all of that loan, some of that loan, or none of that loan.
Do I have to apply each year?
You will have to apply each year, but you don't have to provide as much detail following the first year of study because you have already given assessment information to the funding.However, if your circumstances change,you might have to provide more information.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
No, but someone you live with or have a connection to might have to provide details, in order to set how much loan you can get. So, for example, if you live with your parents and if you're young, you may have to provide details of their income, or if you have a partner, a spouse, or a civil partner, you might have to provide details of theirs.
Can I choose to borrow more or less from year to year?
You can vary what you borrow from year to year. You'll be given a notification from your funding bodies as to how much of a loan that you can take out. Then it will be up to you to decide whether you want to take all of that money, some of that money or none of it at all. You can change that from year to year - you're not locked into anything from the beginning.
Can I choose to borrow more half way through a term?
If you haven't borrowed the full amount (of the loan) you're entitled to at the beginning of the term, you can change that in the middle of the year. You need to contact the student loans company and make that request.
Can I borrow money as an overseas student?
Overseas students aren't entitled to British government student loans or to creative development loans, but there may be a loan scheme in the country of origin.
Can I borrow money if I study abroad?
You can only borrow money if you study abroad if it's a year as part of a course that's based in the U.K. So, for example, if you're doing languages, such as French, and you have to go to France for a year, you might be able to borrow a student loan for that study there. However, if the course is based entirely in another country, it's not possible to get a government student loan in the U.K.
Can I get a loan if I am studying part-time?
You can get a loan if you are studying part-time in Scotland. However, part-time students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are funded through grants which you should apply for through the local authority in England and Wales, or the educational boards in Northern Ireland.
