Advanced Learner Loan

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How to apply

  1. Check with your college or training provider that the course qualifies.

  2. Ask them for a ‘Learning and funding information’ letter - you need this to complete the application. It contains the details about your course.

  3. Apply online - you’ll need to register first. You can apply by post if you cannot apply online.

  4. You’ll get a letter confirming your loan - usually within 2 weeks if you apply online (postal applications take longer).

What you need to know

You cannot apply until you get a ‘learning and funding information letter’ from your college or training provider.

You can apply for a loan without a National Insurance number but you must have one before the loan can be paid in full.

Apply by post

If you cannot apply online, apply by post - the address is on the form.

Read the student finance privacy notice to find out how the information you provide will be used.

If you start your course on or after 1 August 2024

Fill in the ‘Application form for students who start on or after 1 August 2024’.

Read the ‘Terms and conditions for students who start on or after 1 August 2024’.

If you start your course between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024

Fill in the ‘Application form for students who started between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024’.

Read the ‘Terms and conditions for students who started between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024’.

If you started your course between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023

Fill in the ‘Application form for students who started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023’.

Read the ‘Terms and conditions for students who started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023’.

Proof of identity

If you’re a UK national, include your valid UK passport details in your application. If you cannot apply online or need to send the details afterwards, fill in the ‘Advanced Learner Loan: UK passport details form’. Do not send the passport itself.

If you do not have a UK passport (or it has expired), send your original birth or adoption certificate to Student Finance England.

Include your name and address. You should also include your customer reference number if you have one. This is an 11-digit number. You can find it on letters or emails you’ve had from Student Finance England.

If you have a different nationality or you live outside the UK

You need to provide details from one of the following when you apply:

  • passport

  • national identity card

  • biometric residence card 

  • biometric residence permit

Supporting information

Use the ‘Evidence return form’ if you need to send extra information to support your application, such as proof of residency status.

Fill in the ‘Advanced Leaner Loan: evidence return form’.

Change an application

Once your application has been approved you can log in to your account to make a change online.

If you just want to change your loan amount you can use the loan request form instead.

Fill in the ‘Advanced Learner Loan: loan request form’.