Higher education – how to apply for financial support
How to apply
You need to fill in an application form which you can get from your school or college, from Student Finance Direct or online.
Starting university or college for the first time
Ask your school or sixth form college for an application form (PN1). If you aren't currently at school or college, please telephone Student Finance Direct on 08456 077 577 or contact our Student Support Section.
Already started your course and receiving help
A renewal pack will be posted to you from Student Finance Direct in March or April which will encourage you to apply online or request a paper form. Please follow the advice given in the pack to ensure you make your application for funding in good time.
Online forms
Timetable and deadlines
This timetable is a guide to what happens when you apply for financial support.
You can check on the progress of your application by calling Student Finance Direct on 08456 077 577. To do this, you will need your Automated Response Technology (ART) number printed on the information sent to you by Student Finance Direct.
March to April
Application forms for new students (PN1) are available at sixth form schools and colleges and from us. They come with a pack that provides most of the information that you need to fill in the form. The pack includes information on how the support system works. Students can also apply for the 08/09 academic year online from 12 March 2008.
Our Student Support section can help you with your PN1 form – see Advice for new students on applying for funding.
Students who have already started their course and are getting financial support will receive their renewal packs through the post from Student Finance Direct. The pack contains advice about applying for funding online at the Student Finance Direct website. It is essential that students follow this advice.
April to July
New students are assessed both for eligibility and the amount of loan available to them for the 2008–09 academic year.
Current students are assessed for the amount of loan available to them for the 2008–09 academic year.
It is very important that all students return their forms quickly so that their assessments can be carried out.
New students should return their PN1 forms to us by 27 June 2008. Returning students should return their PR1 forms to us by 30 May 2008.
August
‘A’ level and other results are issued. Students should tell us (their local authority) about any changes they make to their choice of course as a result.
Please tell us about any changes by downloading and filling in the Change of Circumstances form from Directgov or Student Finance Direct.
We will make any necessary changes to your application and notify Student Finance Direct.
September to October
If your forms have been completed correctly and returned to us by the closing date (27 June for new students and 30 May for continuing students) then you will have heard from Student Finance Direct about the amount of money available to you.
