Online applications for student finance in the academic year 08/09 are now available. Please register with our online service to apply online or log in to use your account.
Applications for the Academic year 07/08 can be downloaded from the Forms and Guides page.
The following is a guide to applying online if you are a new student. Information is also available for continuing students applying online and sponsors supporting an application online.
For extra help, try our step-by-step guide to applying for student finance online.
Step One: Register
You should register your details with Student Finance Direct if you are a new student and your home address is in England.
Registering provides you with unique security details so you can access your student finance account online or when you call us.
If you have a previous loan with the Student Loans Company you will already be registered on our system and should not register again. If you think you may already be registered, but do not have the security details below, contact the Customer Support Office for further information.
Please register my details
Registering creates your unique security details:
Password and Secret Answer
When you register you will be prompted to create a Password and a Secret Answer to a question of your choice. You will need to use these details each time you access the Student Finance Direct online services or contact the Customer Support Office. It is important that you set these security details to something you are likely to remember.
ART ID
After you have registered you will be given an ART ID. This is a unique eleven-digit number used to identify you when you login to our website or contact us. It is printed on all correspondence we send you. It is important that you make a note of your ART ID and keep it in a safe place.
If you forget your security details
If you forget your Password and Secret Answer, or misplace your ART ID, you can request these online from the Forgotten your Details link. When you reset your passwords these will be sent to your email address - it is important that you keep your email address up-to-date.
Step Two: Login
When you have registered you can use your ART ID and passwords to access your online account. This will open your My Account page. From here you can apply for student support and maintain your account details.
Login to my account
Step Three: Create and submit an application
Once you have logged in to your account, select the link to ‘Apply for Student Support’. This will start your application.
You can exit the application at any stage and the information in each completed section will be saved. You can review or change the information you have entered up until you submit your application. Once you have submitted your application it will be automatically sent to your Local Authority to be processed.
You are able to view the assessment status of your application from your online account so you can see when your application has been assessed. You will be notified of your entitlement to financial support in writing.
Step Four: Send in your evidence
As a new student you will be required to send evidence in support of your application to your Local Authority. This will include a document to verify your identity, such as your birth certificate or passport. Any additional evidence that is requested depends on your circumstances and the type of support you apply for. You will be shown the address to send this evidence to, and you can use your online account to track any evidence you send.
Step Five: Maintaining your account
From your account you can update your contact and bank details, view information and correspondence about your student finance application, and ask or search for the answer to your questions about student finance.
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