What do I need to do?

My student status

You should first identify whether or not you are an Independent Student, and whether you will be applying for the maximum amount of support available or simply the non-income assessed element. Further information to help you decide is available in the section entitled How Much will it Cost me to Complete my Course?.

You are an ‘independent student’ if

- You are over 25 when you commence your studies OR
- You have been married or entered into a civil partnership before you start your course OR
- You have supported yourself financially for at least three years before you start your course OR
- You have a child or children, under the age of 18, in your care at the start of your course OR
- You have no living parents.

From September 2006, any full-time student who has care of a child or children on the first day of the academic year for which they are applying for support will be treated as an independent student for the purposes of the household income assessment.

If you identify yourself as an independent student and are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse or partner's income will also be taken into account.

You are a ‘dependent student’ if

You live in your parental home and / or rely on at least one of your parents for financial support. For example, if you live with both parents, both their incomes will be taken into account. If you live with only one of your parents, it will be their income only that is taken into account. If they live with a spouse or partner (of either sex), this person’s income will also be taken into account.

My course of study

You should not wait until you have a confirmed place on a course before you apply, simply name the course you are most likely to attend. If this changes you must notify your Education and Library Board (ELB) immediately.

My application

You can apply for support online through this site or using a paper application form. Further information can also be obtained from your ELB and paper applications are available to download from our Forms and Guides.

Whether you apply on paper or online, you will be required to submit certain pieces of evidence to your ELB and these will be detailed on your application. If you fail to provide the information requested, payment of your student support will be delayed.

You will also be asked to supply a NINO. SLC will not make any loan payments until your Nino has been verified by the DWP. If they cannot match or/trace your details, then SLC will contact you to explain what to do next.

If you do not have a NINO, SLC may release your first payment if proof is received that you are actively trying to obtain a Nino.

If you nominate a sponsor (i.e. a parent, carer or partner who will be providing financial support for you), they will also be required to submit their part of the application, with the requested evidence, by the relevant deadline.

Where to apply

Apply for student finance if your home is in Northern Ireland

Apply for student finance if your home is outside Northern Ireland