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Student finance: if your course, income or family circumstances change
If your circumstances change while you are studying, you’ll need to notify Student Finance England (or your local authority, if you started before 2009/2010). It won’t delay any payments due to you.
Reporting a change in circumstances
Changes to your personal details
If there’s a change to your personal details (for example, a change to your address), you can notify Student Finance England online. This service is available to all full-time students - regardless of when they first applied for finance.
Other changes in your circumstances
For other changes in your circumstances, download and complete a 'change of circumstances' form. You’ll then need to send it to your local authority (if you first applied in or before academic year 2008/2009) or Student Finance England (if you first applied in 2009/2010).
You can use these forms to report a change of circumstances at any time during the academic year.
Changes to your course - after you’ve started your studies
Course changes - before you start your studies
People often change the course they’re planning to do after getting their A level or other exam results.
If you’ve changed course since applying for student finance, there’s no need to worry: you’ll still get paid and you don’t need to re-apply. But you should let Student Finance England know using a ‘change of circumstances’ form.
Switching to a new course or place of study
If you change university, college or course after you’ve started your studies, in some circumstances you may be able to transfer the financial support you get. Your first step should be to discuss the financial impact with your university or college.
If your new university or college approves your transfer, it will send Student Finance England or your local authority a form called a Notification of Student Transfer. They will then be able to re-assess the financial help you get.
Repeating a year or deferring your studies
If you want to repeat a year of your course or defer your studies, you should first discuss your reasons with your university or college.
If you defer or repeat a year due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be offered full support when you return to your studies.
Leaving your course early
If you leave your course early, it may affect your entitlement to financial support if you return to higher education in the future. Talk to your university or college and Student Finance England before you make a final decision.
Changes to your marital, financial or home circumstances
You should report any changes in your personal or financial circumstances while you are studying. Advise your local authority or Student Finance England as soon as possible - it could affect the amount of financial support you get.
Changes you’ll need to report include:
- getting married, or establishing a civil partnership
- becoming separated or divorced
- having children
- your parents having more children
- becoming sick or disabled
- your household income rising or falling
More useful links
Additional links
Student finance online services
