STATUTORY FUNDING - LEA / STUDENT LOAN COMPANY

STUDENT SUPPORT (Tuition Fee, Student Loan and Higher Education Grant)

Points to Note

The above student support along with grants for students with dependants and children are all assessed by your Local Education Authority (LEA) and payments are made via Student Finance Direct and the Student Loans Company.

It is important that wherever possible you don't wait until you are about to start your course before applying for your funding. Your LEA will probably be overwhelmed by the high number of applications they will have received since March 2005. Therefore, if you apply late, you may not receive the financial support you are entitled to in time for the start of the academic year.

You can now apply for your student support on line at www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk or by completing a paper application.

Remember, not all LEAs will operate in the same way and processing times for applications can vary depending your LEA's time and resources. Some LEAs will offer a time limited service when individual queries about the progress of an application will be restricted and some LEAs will offer a 'fast track' service whilst others will not. If you are in doubt or are concerned about the progress of your application, you should contact the Advice Unit who will be able to help you.

The Basic Message!

The later that you apply to your LEA the longer it will take for the assessment to be completed, and the more likely it will be that your loan won't be available at the start of the academic year.

Applying for student support can be a stressful and busy time as you are making other preparations for life as a student and feel overwhelmed by the number of forms you may need to complete. If you are unsure or concerned about any aspect relating to your student support application, contact the Advice Unit on 01204 900850.