You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, Living Cost Loan and Living Cost Grant online through Student Finance England. The online application is designed so you only see the sections that are relevant to you and that you need to fill in. You do not need to complete it all in one go, you can save it and log back in as many times as you like. You don't have to wait until you've accepted a place on a course to apply for student finance. If you haven't accepted a place yet, create your student finance account and apply using your first choice of course. You can easily change your course or university details online later.

If you're only applying for the Tuition Fee Loan and the basic Living Cost Loan entitlement (the bit that doesn't depend on your household income), you can send in your application without your parent's or partner's involvement. If you're applying for finance that does depend on your household income, your parents or partner (also known as your sponsor) will be asked to provide information about themselves and their household income. If you're not filling in the application at the same time, your sponsor can log on and fill in their part at another time. But remember, your application isn't complete and can't be assessed until Student Finance England have all the information they need.

You will need the following pieces of information to complete your student finance application:

  • passport;
  • university and course details;
  • bank details;
  • National Insurance Number;
  • and your parent's or partner's details, including their National Insurance Number and household income information.

Applications can be made in the Spring of the year you will start your course. There is a deadline to submit your application, please check the Student Finance England website for the most up-to-date deadline information. We recommend you apply as early as possible to ensure your application is processed and approved so you are paid on time.

If any of your details change after you have sent off your application, don't worry - it's easy to update. Using your online student finance account you can make changes to:

  • your course details;
  • the university or college details;
  • the loan amount;
  • and your personal details.

If you are asked to provide evidence (of identity or household income etc) you should send it straight away. If you don't, your student finance might be delayed and you might not be paid on time. To see the types of evidence you might be asked to send please see here.

Once your application has been assessed you will be sent a Financial Notification letter showing what student finance you are entitled to. You should keep this letter as you might have to show it to your university when you register. The letter will include a declaration to sign and return to Student Finance England.

Once you have registered, your university will advise Student Finance England that you are attending your course and they will make your payment. It can take two to three days for the money to reach your account, depending on your bank. They will pay your Tuition Fee Loan directly to your university and any Living Cost Grant or Loan to your bank account.

Finance Calculator

There is an online calculator which allows you to work out how much you could receive and help you to compare your living costs at various universities. The calculator can be found here.

For more information

Contact Student Finance England on 0845 300 50 90 between 8am to 8pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 5.30pm (Saturday and Sunday). If you have any questions about student finance you can also email student.finance@uea.ac.uk.