Student loans - how and when to apply
Information about how and when to apply for a student loan for full time and part time students.
How and when to apply - full time students
If you are starting a course in September 2008 you will need to complete the application form PN1. Forms are available from Derbyshire County Council's Student Finance and local schools, colleges and Connexion centres.
If you are already on a course, you will need to complete the renewal application form PR1. Please make sure you read the accompanying notes and information.
You will also be able to apply on line or download and print an application form. Details are on the Student Finance Direct (opens in a new window) website.
Applications are processed by our Student Finance Service using the Government's online application system.
For new students, forms and documents should be returned by 30 June 2008 to ensure everything is in place by the beginning of term. Renewing students should have the necessary forms and documents returned by 23 May 2008.
If you wish to apply for the non-means tested element of the student finance package, the advised closing date is 25 April 2008. If you do not apply by this date, please do so as soon as possible.
If you apply after the closing date we will still process your application but you may not get any money until after you go to university/college.
If you apply more than nine months after the start of your course, you will be refused funding unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If you don't apply, your university/college may charge you full tuition fees which could exceed £5,000 a year.
Disabled students - remember - if you want to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) make sure you tick the box on the PN1 application form and provide evidence of your disability.
Support for Higher Education - part time students
The income assessed package of support available to eligible students comprises of:
- A course grant of up to £255
A grant towards tuition fees subject to a maximum of:
- £785 where the course is 50 per cent - 59 per cent of a full time course
- £945 where the course is 60 per cent - 74 per cent of a full time course
- £1180 where the course is 75 per cent or more of a full time course
Both grants are subject to a simple income assessment and will be available to those on low incomes who are studying at least equivalent of 50 per cent of a full time course. The income assessment uses a sliding scale.
Your course must be of at least one year's duration.
You must be able to complete your course in no more than twice the time it would take to complete the equivalent full time course.
Students may apply for additional help through the Access to Learning Fund. Details can be obtained from the university/college you attend.
Students with disabilities, studying at least 50 per cent of a full time course, can apply for a Disabled Students Allowance.
Further details of entitlement rules and support can be found on the Student Finance Direct (opens in a new window) website.
How and when to apply - part time students
If you are starting a course in September 2008 or you are already on a course you need to complete application form PTG1. Please make sure you read the accompanying notes and information.
Form PTG1 will be available from late July 2008 from the Student Finance Service and Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.
You will also be able to apply on line or download and print an application form and notes. Details are on the Student Finance Direct (opens in a new window) website.
If you apply more than six months after the start of the academic year of your course, you will be refused funding unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Disabled Students - remember - if you want to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) make sure you tick the box on the PTG1 application form an provide evidence of your disability.