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Changes in your circumstances while you are studying

If your details change while you are studying, it's important that you let the right people know.

The main types of change are:

In most cases, you should inform your local authority first.

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) (opens new window)

If your marital, financial or home circumstances change

If there are any changes to your personal or financial circumstances while you are studying, you must let your local authority know as soon as you can as it could affect the amount of financial support you get as a student.

These changes include:

Your local authority will be able to advise you depending on what changes have occurred.

You can also download and complete a 'change of circumstances' form, and send this to your local authority at any time during the academic year.

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) (opens new window)
• Download change of circumstances form 2008/2009 (PDF, 323K)
• Download change of circumstances form 2007/2008 (PDF, 74K)

Changes to your course

If there are any changes to your course or place of study, the action you should take will depend on the change.

These changes include:

Switching to a new course or place of study

If you want to change your university, college or course, in some circumstances you may also be able to transfer the financial support you get. Your first step should be to talk to your place of study and to your local authority to discuss the financial impact.

If your new place of study approves your transfer, it will send your local authority a form called a Notification of Student Transfer and they will carry out a re-assessment on your behalf.

Repeating a year of your course 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 place of study and with your local authority. They will then let you know how your financial support could be affected.

If you defer or repeat a year due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be offered full support.

If your university or college approves your repeat period or deferment, they will inform your local authority, who will take a decision on whether you will continue to get full financial support.

If you deferred entry to your course from 2005 to 2006, your local authority will need to see a letter of confirmation from your place of study, dated before 1 August 2005.

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. You can find out more by talking to your local authority and place of study.

Your Student Loan will enter repayment in the April following your last date of attendance, provided you are earning in excess of £15,000. For more information about repayment, please go to Repaying Student Loans (courses starting from 1998).

• Repaying student loans (courses starting from 1998)

Returning to a new course after a break

If you are returning to higher education after a break in your studies, you should contact your local authority.

You will still be able to apply for a student loan, but you may not be entitled to financial support towards your tuition fees or a higher education grant if you have previously received financial assistance from the government.

However, there are exceptions and your personal circumstances will be taken into account.

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) (opens new window)