FAQs about student finance

Apply as early as possible to ensure your funding is assessed and ready for payment at the start of term.

Applications open in February or March each year and we urge you to apply early. Even if you don’t know which university or course you’ll be attending or studying, put in the most likely one and you can amend this later if needed.

Student Finance England set an initial deadline (usually May) and say that applications submitted by that date should be assessed and paid in time for the start of term. However, you can apply up to nine months from the start of the academic year.

There are a number of eligibility requirements you need to meet in order to qualify for tuition fee and maintenance loans.

Details can be found on the Government Student Finance page. The Student Financial Support Service can advise you further if you are unsure about your eligibility for funding.

This depends on your household income. If you are under 25 on 1 September, the household income includes income of one or both parents, unless you can show you are ‘independent’.

The required evidence may change depending on the applicant. For example, for UK-based students, the Student Loans Company can usually obtain household income information directly from HMRC.

Proof of identity may be required. More information can be found on the UK government website, including a step-by-step guide on the application process.

Applications to Student Finance are normally assessed within 6 - 8 weeks, but it could be longer if they need extra evidence.

In addition, it can take much longer if you apply after the end of May, as the summer is a very busy period. We would recommend that you contact Student Finance if you have not heard anything after six weeks. You can also keep up to date on your application by checking your online Student Finance account.

You need to apply for funding each year. You are reminded when applications go live for the following year. Applications are made on the government Student Finance page.

The Tuition Fee Loan is paid direct to the University to cover fees.

The Maintenance Loan is paid in three equal instalments at the start of each term, directly into your bank account so you can use this for your living costs.

The NTU Bursary is paid in three instalments, in December (£150), February (£300) and April (£300), directly into the same account into which student finance is paid.

You can get a good idea of what your entitlement is by using the government online calculator.

If you have detailed questions regarding Student Finance’s financial assessment process in relation to your own circumstances (including what income will be counted, what disregards will apply, and how your household income will be calculated), please contact your National Student Finance Service directly.

Funding is only released to students who enrol at the University. You would need to reapply for funding for the following academic year.

The University uses the household income details you and your family have provided to Student Finance England to assess your eligibility for the NTU Bursary and will contact you automatically if you are eligible.

You should receive a letter between September - November in most instances.

If Student Finance is unable to find the course you have applied for in their database, please contact our financial support team.

Where parents are separated, Student Finance England will assess the income of the parent you live with, or are financially dependent upon.

If you live for part of the week with each parent, it is the household where you spend most time or who support you most financially.

Once it has been established which parent’s income is considered, their partner’s income is also counted in the assessment of household income.