Almost half of new students in England missed the student finance deadline last year
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-12)

SLC reminds new students to get their applications in now for 25/26 academic year.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is reminding new full-time undergraduate students in England to apply now (https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance) for student finance, ahead of the application deadline on 16 May 2025.

Applying before the deadline is the best way to ensure that funding is in place for the start of the 25/26 academic year.

Last year, almost half (45%*) of new applications were received after the deadline and SLC has released statistics that highlight the difference between the regions.

Students in London had the highest proportion of late applications at 57%, while the West Midlands came in second place at 48%, followed by the East of England and Yorkshire and the Humber at 41%. The South West had the least number of late applications, with a third (33%) being submitted after the deadline.

Throughout the 24/25 academic year SLC paid over £23billion in student funding. £5billion of which was paid out in first term Maintenance and Tuition Fee payments after confirmation from universities and colleges that students had registered and were attending their courses. For the upcoming 25/26 academic year, SLC has already received over 630,000 submitted applications with more than 450,000 in the ‘ready to pay’ status.

But as it can take six to eight weeks to process an application, in line with the student finance regulations, Steven Darling, Director of Customer Experience at SLC, is encouraging new students to apply now. He said:

“We know that preparing for university is an exciting and busy time for all students, especially those starting their course for the first time and getting your student finance application sorted early is one less thing to worry about.

“We received almost half of applications after the deadline last year, and with around 1.5million applications every year, applying early means your funding is much more likely to be ready for the start of term and gives you peace of mind over the summer months.”

Students can apply without a confirmed place at university, as course details can be updated later and their application can be completed entirely online with no need to contact SLC. They should only send or upload evidence through their online account if they are specifically asked to, which also helps to avoid any delays to their application being processed.

At this busy time of year, SLC’s customer service teams are focused on processing applications to ensure customers have their funding at the start of term. Customers who have recently applied for student finance are advised that there is no need to get in touch with SLC unless asked to do so. Applications can take around six to eight weeks to be processed and during that time, customers can track their application online and monitor their account for any updates and SLC will let them know if there’s anything further they need to do.

If students do have queries about their application, they will find help and support available within their online account that will provide answers to their questions. SLC’s Live Chat service is also available through the online account, for quick and easy support.

SLC’s top tips for students to get their funding in place on time.
- Apply now even if you don’t have a confirmed course or university place
- Applications can be completed and tracked online without any need to contact SLC
- Send evidence or supporting information only if you are asked to
- Use ‘Common Questions’ and SLC’s Virtual Assistant for answers to your questions. If you require further help, you can access Live Chat through your online account
- Have your National Insurance Number, passport details, and bank account information ready when making your application
- Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover fees and a Maintenance Loan to help with other costs. Students applying for a higher Maintenance Loan will also need their parents or partner to support their application online before the deadline. You should make sure you have your parents or partner’s correct e-mail addresses when you apply so that they receive the invite to support your application.
- Full information and guidance can be found is available: https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk
Returning students are also reminded to reapply for student finance before the deadline of 20th June 2025.