Application
Applications for courses starting in September 2026 are expected to open in late March.
Sign up to Student Finance England's mailing list to find out when applications open.
Students need to apply for their student finance each year. They should apply as soon as the application service opens to make sure their student finance is ready before the start of their course.
Starting a course between 31 August 2026 and 31 December 2026
If a student is starting a full-time undergraduate course between 31 August 2026 and 31 December 2026, they can apply for student finance from late March 2026.
Starting a course on or after 1 January 2027
If a student is starting a higher education course on or after 1 January 2027, they can apply for student finance from September 2026.
Online application
The quickest and easiest way to apply for student finance is online at www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance
If the student has applied for student finance before, they should use their existing login information or if not, they can set up a new account.
When they register they'll be given a unique Customer Reference Number and be asked to create a password and secret answer.
The first time they apply they'll be asked for proof of their identity. They can do this by giving us their valid UK passport details on their application. If they don't have a UK passport, they might have to send us evidence, such as a non-UK passport or a copy of their UK birth or adoption certificate.
Downloadable application form
If a student can't apply online they should download an application form at www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
Students should be advised to download the application notes with the application form as they contain helpful information which will prevent them missing out any necessary information or evidence which will delay their application.
Missing information or evidence
If we don't have all the information we need we'll contact the student to remind them to submit this as soon as they can. We won't make any payments to them until we have all the information and evidence we need.
Students can check for outstanding information or actions by logging into their account.
