Don't forget to apply for your Student Finance for next academic year before the deadline.

Applying before the deadline is the best way to ensure that funding is in place for the start of the 25/26 academic year.

Returning students are reminded to reapply for student finance before the deadline of 20th June 2025.

Did you know, last year, almost half (45%) of new applications were received after the deadline from the statistics that SLC has released. Late applications cannot guarantee that your funding will be in place in time.

(The deadline for new students this year was 16 May 2025).

SLC’s top tips for students to get their funding in place on time.

• Apply now even if you don’t have a confirmed course or university place
• Applications can be completed and tracked online without any need to contact SLC
• Send evidence or supporting information only if you are asked to
• Use ‘Common Questions’ and SLC’s Virtual Assistant for answers to your questions. If you require further help, you can access Live Chat through your online account
• Have your National Insurance Number, passport details, and bank account information ready when making your application
• Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover fees and a Maintenance Loan to help with other costs. Students applying for a higher Maintenance Loan will also need their parents or partner to support their application online before the deadline. You should make sure you have your parents or partner’s correct e-mail addresses when you apply so that they receive the invite to support your application.

You can apply at gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance.

Once you have submitted your application, keep a check on your online SFE account, as there may be requests for further information. The longer you take to supply this, the longer your application will take to process.

You can find lots of useful information from SFE at: studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk.

You can also get at ideas of SFE application and evidence processing times at: gov.uk/guidance/sfe-current-application-timescales.

If you have any queries about applying for funding, please contact us or check our online resources, all on our website - upsu.com/advice.

We can talk to you about eligibility for funding, signpost you to further guidance, and check any evidence/documents. However, we cannot assist with completion of SFE applications.

Once your finance is in place, please check your award to make sure all appears in order. If you have any concerns that things have not been assessed accurately, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can help you look into this.

*If you are funded by a different funding body, please check their information for guidance on application information and deadlines.

Access free financial advice at the SU:

As a University of Plymouth student, you have access to the University of Plymouth Students’ Union SU Advice team who are highly experienced and can offer free, impartial, and confidential financial advice to any student who needs it. 

This includes advice on budgeting, discounts, travel, healthcare, welfare benefits and childcare costs to help make sure you are getting the best value for money. 

SU Advice can also help you to navigate and understand Student Finance England (SFE), including your tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and if you qualify for any bursaries or additional grants. 

Our SU Advice team are here to support all University of Plymouth students, whether they are a new student, returning student, postgraduate or international student: we are here to offer information and guidance to ensure you understand your outgoing fees and available financial support.

Get in touch by emailing advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk, by calling us on 01752 588373 (and leaving a voicemail if we cannot get to the phone), or by completing the online enquiry form here.