The Student Loan Company (SLC) has started accepting student loan applications for next year. SLC advises students to file their application as soon as possible, at least by the 30th of June to ensure that the loan will be delivered before the start of the next academic year.

Returning home students who are not means-tested (i.e. not dependent on family income) and whose circumstances have not changed need only sign and send back the form sent to them by the SLC. This is unless one was on a gap year or had one’s studies suspended this year. Other students, i.e. means-tested, will have to re-apply for their student loans either by paper or via online at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.

The SLC advises students to complete the form online to quicken the process.

The SLC believes the new changes they have brought in this year will speed up the application process, as less time will be used on processing non-means tested applicants.

More information can be obtained at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.

Andy Topham, assessment manager at SLC, says: “The best way to ensure you’re financially stable for your next year of study is to apply for your student finance now. Over the last year, the Student Loans Company has been working hard to improve the application process. But the system still needs returning students to apply correctly in order to receive their money on time.”