Check if you're eligible for student finance. Check eligibility here

• Check when you can apply
• Check what ID you'll need
• Check if you need to give proof of your household income

You'll need to create a student finance account if you're a new student or sign into an existing account if you're a returning student.

It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application. You might have to provide extra evidence.

You must update your application if your circumstances change. For example if you:

• change your course through clearing
• change where you're going to live – for example with your parents instead of halls

After you register at your university or college you'll usually get your maintenance loan paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term.

Use your student finance account to:

• update your bank details – for example if you open a student account
• check how much you'll be paid
• check when you'll be paid

You'll need to reapply for student finance for each year of your course.

You must keep your details up to date throughout your course because some changes can affect your loan payments.

When you stop studying the Student Loans Company (SLC) will create a student loans repayment account for you.

Make sure your contact details are up to date in your repayment account.