Thousands of students across the UK have been warned that if they don’t submit their student loan application by Friday, 17 May 2025, they may not receive their money in time for the start of the new academic term.
The Student Loans Company (SLC) has issued a reminder urging new and returning higher education students to complete their loan applications as soon as possible to avoid financial disruptions at the beginning of the term. Students who fail to meet the deadline risk experiencing delays in receiving their maintenance loans, which are crucial for covering living costs like rent, travel, food, and books.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If your application is submitted late, there’s a strong chance your payment won’t arrive before term begins. This could lead to issues with paying for accommodation, food, or other essential expenses, especially for students moving away from home.
Even though you can still apply for a loan after the deadline, the Student Loans Company can’t guarantee that your funding will arrive on time. That’s why the 17 May deadline is so important — especially for students starting or continuing their studies in September or October 2025.
According to Derrick Johnstone, executive director of operations at SLC, “Each year we see thousands of students apply late and that can mean delays to them getting their money at the start of term. We don’t want anyone to be in that position this year, so we’re urging students to apply before the deadline.”
Who Needs to Apply?
The 17 May deadline is for full-time undergraduate students in England who plan to start or return to university or college this autumn. This includes both new students and those already enrolled in courses who need to reapply for funding.
Students applying for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans are both covered under this deadline.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve already completed the process, it’s a good idea to log into your Student Finance account on www.gov.uk/student-finance to check your application status.
Documents You’ll Need
When applying, you’ll need to submit some key information, including:
- Your passport details or proof of identity
- Your National Insurance number
- Your university or college details, and the course you’re applying for
- Bank account information (where your loan will be deposited)
- Details of your household income (if applying for means-tested maintenance support)
Your parents or guardian may also need to provide financial information if your loan amount is income-dependent.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online at the Student Finance England portal. The process takes about 30–45 minutes if you have all the required documents ready.
After applying, you’ll get a confirmation and, once processed, a Student Finance Entitlement letter outlining your loan amounts and payment schedule.
What If You Already Applied?
If you’ve already submitted your application but have since changed your course, university, or personal details — such as your bank account or address — make sure to update this information as soon as possible on your online account. Even minor errors can delay your payment.
Final Word of Advice
Missing the application deadline can create unnecessary stress. For many students, their maintenance loan is a lifeline, covering everything from food to rent. Applying early means peace of mind and a smoother start to the term.