Student loans
From September 2009 all new applications for student finance including loans and other financial support will be dealth with by a national provider - Student Finance England.
If you are a new applicant, from 1 September 2009 onwards, please go to www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance (opens in a new window) or telephone 0845 300 5090.
If you were receiving support from an application made before 1 September 2009 we will continue to administer your financial support unless you have withdrawn from your course or are applying to top up a PGCE.
From 14 March 2011 Student Finance Direct will be responsible for administering every aspect of student finance.
The Student Loan Company (SLC) continues to be responsible for all loan and grant payments and repayments of loans.
New students applying to Student Finance England for courses from 1 September 2009 onwards will be sent correspondence confirming a unique eleven digit reference number (ART ID) and a separate letter confirming your internet password and secret answer.
You must retain these details as you will be taken through an authentication procedure by staff when you call to enquire about your support. Where staff are unable to verify the identity of a caller, it will not be possible to discuss details of a confidential nature.
Once you have applied, the Student Finance Customer Support Office is available to answer your queries. You can contact them on 0845 300 5090 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday.
New students who enter higher education are assessed under the new regulations for variable tuition fees.
Further possible assistance for new students is a maintenance grant, bursaries, student loan for tuition fees and student loan for living costs.
Existing students who started their course prior to September 2006 no longer have to pay their tuition fee contribution whilst they study, instead they can take out a loan for living costs.
Students requiring support for disability or childcare should contact their University/Higher Education establishment in the first instance.
Like many other councils across the country we have taken a decision not to make any discretionary awards due to financial pressure.
Support for higher education − full time students
Courses of higher education are: Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, Diplomas in Higher Education, University Foundation Degrees and Post Graduate Certificate in Education Courses.
Financial help whilst at university falls broadly into two categories:
1. Help towards tuition fees
From September 2006 universities started charging variable fees which for 2010/2011 is up to £3,290. Students will be able to take out a loan for tuition fees for the amount charged by the university up to a maximum of £3,290.
2. Help toward living and study costs.
A student loan is available to eligible students to help with living expenses such as accommodation and food.
Twenty five per cent of the loan is subject to a means test of household income. Eligible students can receive 75 per cent of the full value of the loan regardless of any household income.
The maximum full loan rate for 2010/2011 is £4,745 for students living away from home, £3,673 for students who reside in the parental home and £6,643 for students studying in London.
A maintenance Grant was introduced for new students starting their course in September 2006. For 2010/2011 this grant is worth up to £2,906 (NB £1,292 of this grant is paid in substitution for part of the maintenance loan) and is means tested on household income.
New entry students from 2009/2010 academic year awards
All enquiries should be made to :
Student Finance England
Student Support Services
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ
Tel: 0845 300 5090
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance (opens in a new window)