What do I need to do?

• Continuing on my course
• Where to apply
• My circumstances have changed
• Changing my course or university/ college
• Returning to a new course of higher education after a break in my studies

I am continuing on my course

If you have already applied for student finance for an earlier year of your current course, you will be contacted automatically with details about how to apply for the coming year. You do not need to contact Student Finance ni unless you have not received a form by the application deadline dates noted in “The Application Process”.

You must submit an application for every year you are in higher education. However, you will not be required to submit evidence each year unless there has been a change to your circumstances, for example, your household income or your marital status.

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Where to apply

If your home is in Northern Ireland

You can complete the application online, but you will still be required to send certain pieces of evidence by post to your Education and Library Board (ELB).

• How to apply online

Your ELB will process your application, even if you study away from the area where you normally live.

• Find your Education and Library Board (ELB)

If your home is in England, Scotland or Wales

Student ni can’t process your application for you. You can find contact details for the right Student Finance service for you on the ‘Who to contact' page

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My circumstances have changed

You need to notify us of any changes in your personal circumstance or to the information you provided on your student finance application.

Some changes can be made online while others must be made by telephone or by sending the appropriate Change of Circumstances (CO1) Form.

The tables below show the types of changes you can make and how to make them.

I am changing my course or university/college

If you wish to transfer courses you may be able to transfer the student finance you receive towards your fees to another course. Talk to your university/ college and ELB about this as soon as possible.

Changing to a new course - FAQ

Read our Frequently asked questions for more information on getting student finance for your new course.

I am returning to a new course of higher education after a break in my studies

You should contact your Education and Library Board for guidance.

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