A Complete Guide to Student Finance England (SFE) – 2025/26

12th February 2025

Applying for student finance in England is essential for many students who need help covering tuition fees and living costs. This guide explains everything you need to know, including the forms required, the yearly process and where to send your documents.

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

Residency: You must be a UK national or have settled status. Some EU, EEA and Swiss nationals may also qualify.
Course: Your course must be at an approved university or college.
Previous Study: You are usually eligible if this is your first higher education qualification.
Age: There is no upper age limit for tuition fee loans, but maintenance loans have age restrictions.

2. When to Apply

Applications for the 2025/26 academic year will open in March 2025. You should apply early to avoid delays.

New students: Apply by May 2025 for guaranteed funding in time for your course.
Continuing students: Apply by June 2025 to ensure payments continue smoothly.
Late applications: You can apply up to nine months after the start of your course, but this may cause payment delays.

3. How to Apply

Online Application (Preferred Method)

Most students apply online through the Student Finance England (SFE) portal. This is the quickest way to apply and means you don’t need to complete a paper form.

Paper Application (If You Can’t Apply Online)

If you can’t apply online, you’ll need to complete and send a form by post:

PN1 Form: For new full-time students applying for tuition and maintenance loans.
PR1 Form: For continuing students reapplying for funding.
PTMN Form: For part-time students applying for maintenance support.

4. Documents You’ll Need

For Identity Verification

UK Passport: If you apply online, you only need to enter your passport number.
No Passport?: Upload a copy of your birth certificate or other proof of identity.

For Household Income Assessment (if applying for a means-tested loan)

Parents’ or Partner’s Income: They will need to submit financial details.
P60, Payslips or Tax Returns: May be requested if SFE requires extra proof.

Other Supporting Evidence

Residency Documents: If asked, provide proof of UK residence.
Disability Support: If applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), submit the required medical evidence.

5. Submitting Your Application

Online Submission

If applying online, you can upload documents via the SFE portal.
Use clear scans or photos (PDF or JPEG format).

Postal Submission (if required)

If submitting a paper form or additional documents by post, send them to:

Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ

Do not send originals unless specifically requested. Always send copies.

6. What Happens Next?

Processing Time: Applications take up to six weeks to process.
Loan Confirmation: You’ll receive a letter or email confirming your loan amount.
Register at University: Your university confirms your enrolment, triggering the first maintenance loan payment.

7. Loan Repayment

You only start repaying once you earn over £28,470 per year (from April 2025).
You pay 9% of your income above this threshold.
Any remaining debt is written off after 40 years.

8. Reapplying Each Year

You must reapply for funding every academic year. Continuing students will be reminded by SFE, and the process is usually quicker than the first application.

Applying for student finance can seem complicated, but following these steps ensures you get the support you need. Always apply early and keep copies of any documents you submit. For official forms and updates, visit gov.uk/student-finance.