Where to apply
From the March prior to the start of a course, you can approach the local authority for the area in which you are resident at the time of your application to get an application form, or contact Student Finance England online . Forms can also be downloaded from the directgov website.

Based on the information submitted, your local authority or Student Finance England will assess whether or not you’re personally eligible for financial support and, if so, what funding you are entitled to. All requested information should be returned to your local authority or Student Finance England by their specified deadlines to ensure you receive the first instalment of the support you’re entitled to at the start of the course.

Although almost all students will have the first instalment of the loan paid straight into their bank or building society account, it’s possible you may be required to collect a cheque. All further instalments will, however, be electronically transferred.

When to apply
Forms should be submitted to local authorities, or completed online, no later than 30 May for current students and 27 June for new students, to guarantee payment of the first instalment of loans and grants at the start of the term. If you apply later than this, it can take six to eight weeks for your application to be processed.

Note that from new students intending to begin study in the 2009/10 academic year or later will apply directly to Student Finance England, as local authorities will cease to process new applications for student support. It will be possible to apply for support from the September prior to the beginning of the course – ie. at least one year before the course begins.

The final deadline for application is nine months after the first day of the academic year of your course. Students who do not apply by this time will be ineligible for student support for that year. However, you can apply during any subsequent year.

Local authorities and Student Finance England may use their discretion to extend this deadline if a delay is caused by circumstances beyond your control.