Archive Website of the UK government

Getting your student finance

If your university or college has confirmed your registration, payment will be made within the next few days.

You can check when payment will be made by logging in to your online account. It can take a few days after this date for payment to reach your account.

You should also get a text from Student Finance England telling you when your money will reach your bank account. If you don’t get a text don't worry, it won’t affect your payment.

Security when phoning Student Finance England

Student Finance England take your security very seriously and are committed to protecting you. To help them do this always have your Customer Reference Number and secret answer available before calling an advisor.

If you don't have your Customer Reference Number and secret answer you will be asked extra security questions before your account can be accessed.

Beware of scam emails

Student Finance England will never email you asking you to confirm your login or user details.

If you get an email asking you to follow a link to the Student Finance England website to confirm your account details, you should forward it to:

phishing@slc.co.uk

then delete it.

This kind of fraudulent email is known as ‘phishing’, and will take you to a fake website.

Make sure you’re logging into the genuine site by typing direct.gov.uk/studentfinance into your browser.

By forwarding the email, you can help Student Finance England to protect you and others who may be affected.

But please note: Student Finance England cannot answer any specific questions about your account on this email address. If you have a query about any other email or letter you have received, you should login to your account or call Student Finance England.

• More on online security from Student Finance England Opens new window

• Contact Student Finance England

Changing your login details

If you think that someone might have guessed or found out your student finance account login details (or you’ve disclosed them after a phishing email), you can change them online.

• Change your student finance account security details Opens new window

2012/13 applications

If you still haven’t applied for your student loans and grants for 2012/13, you should do so now.

Don’t leave it any longer. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to have all your money in place for the start of term.

If you complete your application now - and send in all your evidence - Student Finance England will do their best to arrange at least partial finance to get you started. Act quickly and Student Finance England may still be able to get all your money sorted for the start of your course.

Don’t forget, your application is only complete when:

• you've submitted your application correctly
• you (and your parents or partner, if appropriate) have sent in all the evidence that Student Finance England asks for
• you've signed and returned your 'online declaration' form (if you applied online)

You can download the 'online declaration' form when you login to your student finance account.

You can still apply for finance for 2011/12.

• Student finance: how and when to apply

• Register, login and apply online for student finance

Common questions about full-time student finance

Wondering how your application is progressing, or want to find out when you’ll be paid? Follow the link below for answers to these questions – and more.

• Full-time student finance: frequently asked questions