International Students Should Know That Student Finance Applications for 2026–2027 Are Now Open
If you want to start a degree programme in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland in September, the deadline for submitting financial applications is drawing near. The Student Loans Company (SLC) officially opened applications for full-time undergraduate student loans for the 2026–2027 academic year on March 23, 2026. The announcement applies to students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; each has a portal, financial packages, and—above all—a deadline.
If you are an international student with settled or pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or another qualified immigration status that qualifies you for home-fee financing, the announcements are broken down by region below, along with an explanation of why early action is more important than most applicants realise.
Student Finance England
Full-time undergraduate students from England whose course starts between 31 August and 31 December 2026 can now apply for student finance.
SLC is encouraging students to apply before the deadline of Friday 15 May 2026 to ensure their funding is in place for the start of their course. Students can apply even if they don’t yet have a confirmed university place; they can select the course they are most likely to study and update their application later if their plans change.
Applications can take up to six to eight weeks to process. Students do not need to contact SLC to check their application status, they can track progress through their online account and will be notified if any further information is needed.
Tips for applying:
- Apply now; even without a confirmed university place, you can update your course details at any time.
- Have your National Insurance number, passport and bank details to hand before you start.
- Submit any supporting evidence requested through your online account.
Courses starting on or after 1 January 2027
Students from England whose course starts from January 2027 onwards will apply for funding through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
Applications for the LLE are expected to be available from September 2026.
Tuition Fee only students
Full-time undergraduate students applying for a Tuition Fee loan only can also apply now for 2026 to 2027.
Student Finance Wales
Full-time undergraduate applications for 2026 to 2027 are now open for students from Wales. SLC is encouraging students to apply before the deadline of Friday 29 May 2026 to ensure their funding is ready for the start of their course.
Students in Wales can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover fees and a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs. A Welsh Government Learning Grant, which does not need to be repaid, may also be available.
Student Finance Northern Ireland
Full-time undergraduate applications for 2026 to 2027 are now open for students from Northern Ireland. SLC is encouraging students to apply before the deadline of Thursday, 30 April 2026 to ensure their funding is in place for the start of their course.
A range of financial support is available to students from Northern Ireland.
Click here to read more and apply.
