This section tells you how you can apply for your support for session 2008-2009 .
Application forms are available in April of the year that you want to study. You should always apply as early as possible, do not wait for exam results or a firm offer. If you do not get on the course that you originally applied for support for, we can change your application to another course or cancel your application if you give us a call.
Closing dates
Don't send your application late or you may not receive any support. The closing dates to apply for support depend on when you start your course. For the majority of students who start a course in the autumn term, the closing dates for session 2008-2009 are as follows:
- 31 December 2008 - to apply for a loan for your tuition fees
- 30 June 2009 - to apply for the rest of your support
See our closing dates section for more information.
Apply online
Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your support. You can also tell us about any changes in your details after you have applied for your support. For example a new address or bank details.
To apply online you must first register your personal details. Please note you must only register your personal details once. Existing users should login using the username and password you used when you first registered.
Download application forms
If you can't apply online, you can download a copy of:
- the SAS3 application form for your main support ;
- the SAS3 Notes to help you apply for your main support;
- the SAS4 Guide to student support (see note below);
- the AB4 travel expenses claim form (available mid December 2008); and
- the AB4 Notes to help you apply for your travel expenses
- the DSA FT for full-time students who have applied to us for tuition fee and/or living-costs support and want to claim extra costs because of their disability or learning difficulty
- the DSA Notes to help you apply for your DSA.
The SAS 4 guidance booklet gives you more information about student support. Please note that this is 56 pages long, so only print the pages you need. Or you can get more information in our student support section.
It is important that you read the SAS3 notes that come with the application form carefully before you fill in your form. If there are any mistakes in your application or you don't give us all the information we ask for, we may have to send the form back to you and you might not get your money for the start of your course.
Remember to apply before the final closing dates. If we receive your application after the final closing date, you will receive no support, including tuition fees.
Processing your application form
We aim to process correctly filled-in applications within 21 days of receiving them. We will assess your entitlement and send you an award notice which will tell you how much you will receive and how we will pay it. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of sending your application, please contact us.
If you have applied for a student loan for tuition fees, we will tell your college or university the amount of fees we will pay on your behalf. We will add this amount to your loan account. When you leave your course we will send your details to the Student Loans Company (SLC) and they will make arrangements for you to repay your loan
If you have applied for a student loan for living costs, we will send this information electronically to the Student Loans Company (SLC). The SLC will set up your loan account and send you a payment schedule to tell you how and when they will pay your loan. You should normally expect to receive your payment schedule about six weeks before the start of your course.