The Student Loans Company (SLC) has opened full-time undergraduate student finance applications for the 2026-27 academic year, with a recommended submission deadline of 15 May 2026.
Key Points
A confirmed university place is not required to apply — applications can be submitted while waiting for exam results or offer confirmations. The SLC recommends applying as early as possible, as processing takes six to eight weeks. Submitting by the May deadline ensures funding is in place by the start of term.
The application covers tuition fee loans, maintenance loans for living costs, and any additional grants or bursaries based on household income.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Student Finance England, applicants generally need to be a UK national (or have settled/pre-settled status) and have been ordinarily resident in England for three years before the start of the course. EU and EEA nationals with EUSS status may also be eligible, but the rules are complex and depend on individual circumstances.
Required Information
To complete the application, applicants need their National Insurance number, university and course details (UCAS course code), and household income details (if applying for means-tested support). If parents or a partner need to provide income evidence, they will receive a separate login to complete their section.
