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Forgot to sort out your student finance and now you’re panicking a bit? Don’t stress — it happens more often than you think! You might be wondering, “Can you apply for student finance late?” The short answer is yes, but there are a few important things you’ll need to keep in mind.
Even if you missed the official deadline, there’s still hope to get the support you need for your studies. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to do next!
Official Deadline:
Depending on when the coursework begins, there are several deadlines for applying for UK student finance.
- Classes starting between August 1 and December 31:
Registration Deadline: May 31 - Classes starting between January 1 and March 31:
Registration Deadline: September 30 - Classes starting between April 1 and June 30:
Registration Deadline: December 31 - Classes starting between July 1 and July 31:
Registration Deadline: March 31
What To Do If Your Application is Late?
1. Applying for a Student Loan
Don’t wait any longer. Start your application as soon as you can by going to the website:
It just takes half an hour with your:
- Personal Details
- Course Information
- Previous Study
- National Insurance Number and Bank or Building Society Details
- Household Income (if applying for finance based on household income)
You can apply now and change your information later if necessary; you don’t need a confirmed seat at university or college. You have nine months from the beginning of your academic year to submit your application.
2. Be Ready to Explain
If you’re wondering, can you apply for student finance late, just know that you might be asked to explain why you missed the deadline. Be honest about your reasons, and if needed, provide any supporting documents — a little context can really help when you’re applying after the cutoff.
3. Verify Your Account
You don’t need to call them for an update while they process your application; it typically takes us 6 to 8 weeks. Check ‘your actions to complete’ in your online account while you’re waiting for an update, in case they require additional proof or information from you.
Your application won’t be able to proceed if you don’t finish the required actions. Staying proactive is essential when asking yourself, can you apply for student finance late, to avoid further delays.
4. Get In Touch With Your University
Contact the student services department as soon as you can to inform them that your student funding may be delayed if you know where you’ll be studying. In the meantime, they might be able to provide guidance or assistance.
One of the many ways your university can assist you is by offering a bridging loan to cover your expenses until your loan is received. They will be able to assist you if you let them know about the situation as soon as possible.
Telling your university about your circumstances can ensure that they know that your expenses will be paid promptly and may save you some trouble, as your loan for tuition fees may also be delayed.
5. Evaluating your application
Don’t worry — the total amount of money you get won’t change after your family income is checked.
But the split between your Maintenance Loan and any Grant you might receive could be adjusted. If you’re given too much loan money, you might have to pay some of it back later, or it could be taken off from what you get next time.
If you’re applying for student finance based on your household income, ask your parents or partner to share their financial details early — this helps avoid delays! They’ll just need to log in or make an account to enter their info.
6. What To Do To Receive Your First Payment
As they won’t be able to pay you until you do, you must register at your university or college before your course begins. The relevant finance authority will get in touch with you a few days before your first payment to inform you that it is on route as soon as your university or college notifies them that you have registered.
Need help with the Student Finance application? Enrollmate.co.uk can assist you in making the funding process easier, faster, and more organized. Don’t navigate it alone—get expert help today!
If Your Application Is Late…
Furthermore, if you apply at the beginning of your course or after it has begun, you may receive less money than you expected. To ensure that you have at least some money near the beginning of your course, you will be provided with the bare minimum of funding.
Any additional money owed to you will be paid after Student Finance England has verified your household income.
FAQs – Can you apply for student finance late
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for student loans?
Student funding is available to any UK citizen who wants to attend college. The only catch is that to be eligible for student loans, you must reside in the country. Loans for maintenance have an upper age limit. Anyone over 60 will not be eligible; however, mature students can submit applications.
Q2: How do I apply?
Applying online is the quickest method. Click “Create an Account” on the Student Finance login page at logon.slc.co.uk/cas/login. If you’re unsure, can you apply for student finance late? The answer is yes, but earlier applications give you better access to full funding.
Q3: When does the annual application process open?
Typically, full-time undergraduate applications open first, followed by part-time undergraduate and postgraduate applications later in the year. However, applications may open at different periods during the year.
Applications are always open in time for you to submit an application and get financing before the start of your studies. It’s wise to apply early to avoid having to ask, Can you apply for student finance late, when time is tight.
Q4: What If My Funding Isn’t Finalized by the Start of Term?
Yes, you can still register. You must understand that you will be responsible for paying any expenses you receive if your funding is denied for any reason. Please visit the Student Funding and Financial Support team during registration if your application has not been accepted.
Q5: Do I Need to Reapply Every Year?
Yes, you must submit a new application every year. If you are a returning student, the funding body will get in touch with you to inform you when you can begin the process.
