GovWire

The long summer wait for exam results will finally end for students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as A-level results drop tomorrow (Thursday 15th August).

Once students receive their results and the initial excitement or disappointment has settled, important decisions will be made, which for some will involve finding a course through Clearing.Clearing is always a busy time, and we recognise that it can be an anxious period for prospective students and their parents as they look to secure a course and finalise their learning plans for the year ahead. Thats why we want to ensure that they have the information they need to sort out student finance quickly and easily.

Jackie Currie, Executive Director, Customer Operations advises:

My advice to those selecting a course through Clearing who havent applied for student finance yet is to do so as soon as possible.For those who have already applied and need to make changes update your online account right away.

Our focus now turns to processing the applications we will receive following A-level results as quickly as we can, ensuring that all our checks are carried out efficiently and effectively to make the process as smooth and swift as possible.

SLC opened its application window in March this year and encouraged students to apply promptly to ensure their finance was in place for the start of term.For those who have already applied but are changing course through Clearing, the advice is to sign in to their online account and update their information.Students may need to update their university or college, as well as their course details, and confirm the correct tuition fee.

SLC process around 1.5 million applications per year, and our guidance for those who havent applied for finance yet is to do this right away. It can take six to eight weeks to process an application, and those applying for higher rates of loan or for additional grants, may not receive their full funding entitlement at the start of term. In these circumstances, SLC will award the Tuition Fee Loan and minimum amount of Maintenance Loan before the course begins, while we confirm household income and any other relevant details. Students will receive the remainder of their maintenance and any additional funding as a top up payment once those details are confirmed.

Our advice to parents supporting an application by providing financial information is act promptly as well.The best way to ensure the application can be fully processed is to provide the requested information quickly.

SLCs Clearing Top Tips

• 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

• Once submitted, applications take up to six to eight weeks to process and we will get in touch if we need more information.

Students can use the application tracker in their online account to view their applications status, at a time that is convenient for them so they dont have to worry or get in touch with us for an update on progress. Read more about the process:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-get-your-first-payment-if-youre-applying-late

• You wont need to do anything unless your university, college or course details change.

If you accept a place at university or college through Clearing, youll need tosign in to your student finance accountand let us know of any changes. You must do this even if your UCAS application has changed - your student finance application is not linked to UCAS. Youll need to change the university or college on the application as well as your course. You should also tell us the correct tuition fee being charged for your new course.

• If your exam results are different from what you expected and your course choice is different from when you initially applied for your student finance, make sure that you update your course and university details in your online account right away.

• To help students in England who are applying for student finance during Clearing.

SLC hasaguidecontaining useful information including steps they can take to ensure their application

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