Eligible full-time higher education students can take out a Student Loan for Maintenance and a Student Loan for Fees. Student loans can help pay for the costs associated with taking a higher education course.
They are issued by Student Finance Direct, a service managed by the Student Loans Company in partnership with local authorities and the Department for Education and Skills.
The interest rate on student loans is linked to the rate of inflation, so in real terms you only repay the same amount as you borrow.
You need to apply for student loans and other financial help from the government as soon as you apply for your course.
To make sure you receive your money on time, do not wait until you have a confirmed place - on your application, simply name the course you are most likely to attend.
You must tell your local authority if your course details change after you apply.
Student loan applications for 2007/2008
To ensure payment at the start of the 2007 autumn term:
you must apply for student loan by 29 June 2007
If you apply only for non income-assessed support (for example, a student loan for tuition fees), and therefore supply no financial information:
you must apply for student loan by 27 April 2007
If you apply after these dates your application will be processed as quickly as possible.
You will need to make a new application for help each year.
Application forms and guides for 2007/2008 will be available shortly.
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