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Student finance

applicationprocess 2012/13

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Application Dates: 2012/13 Academic Year

Apply Now

You should apply as soon as possible

May

31The application deadline for new full-time students is 31 May 2012

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How long will it take to process?

4 to 6 weeks

Standard applications (for grants and loans) usually take 4 to 6 weeks to process

> 6 weeks

If you apply for any additional support from Student Finance England (e.g. Disabled Students Allowance, Childcare Grant), it will usually take longer to process

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• Do your homework – find out what student finance is available• Register & apply online at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

Jan - Feb

• If necessary, ensure parents or partners know how/when to apply and the information they may need to submit to support your application

Student Finance – What & When?

• Submit completed application & all supporting evidence by 31st May 2012 • Once approved, you’ll be informed of financial entitlement & you must then sign & return the declaration form which Student Finance England send you.

Mar - May

• Alter course or application details (if necessary) by logging in online• Submit any additional evidence required to support any changes

• Budget plan & get ready for starting in higher education

Jun - Aug

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What info & evidence do we need to apply?If applying for Tuition Fee Loan & basic Maintenance Loan only…You will need:

Course details (use your first choice)

University or college details

Passport OR Birth Certificate

Bank / building society account details

National Insurance Number

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What info & evidence do we need to apply?If applying for support that depends on household income…

You will need:

Course details (only 1 needed)

Your parents/partner will need:

University / college details

Passport OR Birth Certificate

Bank / building society account details

National Insurance Number

National Insurance Number(s)

2010/11 tax year information:

• P60 or pay slips if employed• Tax return if self-employed• Benefits statement if applicable

Examples only: other info or evidence may be needed

Sponsors normally provide details online, otherwise photocopies in a minority of cases

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Who are my sponsors?

• If you are under 25, your sponsors are

Both natural parentsOR

The parent you usually live with plus their partner (if they have one), e.g. stepfather, stepmother, or partner who lives with mother / father

• If you live apart from your parents, you need to have supported yourself financially for at least 3 years, otherwise parents’ income is still assessed (unless permanently estranged)

• Exceptions:

You’re married or in a civil partnership (partner’s income is assessed)OR

You have a child (if you live with a partner, their income is assessed)

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Online Application Process for 2012/13:Register

• Login via: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinancewww.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

• Register details online as new applicant

• Customer Reference Number (CRN) allocated

• Choose password and secret answer

• You need CRN, password & secret answer when:

– Logging in to apply, check progress or make changes

– Contacting helpline (0845 300 50 90)

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Click here to apply

To apply - go to: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

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Sponsors can register & support an application

here

Students can register & apply here

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Online Application Process for 2012/13:Apply

• Student provides personal, course and uni or college details

• Student gives details of parents or partner supporting them

• Student signs up to terms and conditions

• Parents or partner provide their personal and income details

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Online Application Process for 2012/13:Apply (continued)

• Submit application online and provide supporting evidence:

– Student Identity checking: provide UK Passport number (IPS link)

– Sponsor financial details (2010/11, but option of “current income”)

– Sponsor provides NI Number: we verify data with HMRC

• Track application progress by logging in (‘My Account’)

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Log on to your student finance account

To check or change your application - go to: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

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Click on academic year to see more detail

Check where your application is up to

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AnyQuestion

s?