Clear Path to Higher Education

Ahead of the release of A-Level results on Thursday, the Student Loans Company (SLC) is sharing its top tips for prospective students going through Clearing this year.

It’s predicted that this year’s Clearing window will be busier than ever, due to a range of factors, including an increase in the number of 18-year-olds heading to university or college as well as a return to a more normal academic year following Covid. SLC is encouraging students not to wait to apply for student finance, even if they don’t have a confirmed course place yet.

With a processing time of up to six to eight weeks, eligible students who are applying for higher rates of maintenance loans or for additional grants may not receive their full funding entitlement at the start of term. However, in these circumstances SLC will award the Tuition Fee Loan and the minimum amount of Maintenance Loan before the start of the course, while it confirms household income and any other relevant details. Students will get the remainder of their maintenance and any other funding entitlement as a top up payment as soon as possible once those details are confirmed.

Chris Larmer, Operations Director at SLC, said: “We have around 1.5 million students expected to start or return to education this autumn and my advice to students this week is not to wait for your exams results - submit an application as soon as possible as it can always be changed and updated online at a later date.”

Chris added: “Last year, we paid out £22bn in Tuition Fees and Maintenance Loans and this year we are expecting similar numbers. Our absolute priority is to ensure that we have as many student finance applications as possible processed and ready to pay at the start of term, including those that applied during Clearing. Our team is ready for a busy few weeks ahead and we wish students all the best on Thursday.”

The easiest way to apply is online:

Students in England can apply at: https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/

Students in Wales can apply at: https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/discover-student-finance