Latest news
21 March 2012 - Applications for 2012/13 available now!
Applications for student finance, for courses starting after 1 September 2012, are now available.
We're encouraging all students not to delay and ensure their funding is ready for the start of their course by applying online now.
Deadlines
- Applications & evidence from new students, applying for the first time, should be submitted by 4th May 2012.
- Applications & evidence from returning students should be submitted by 1st June 2012.
06 February 2012 - Win vouchers for sharing your opinion
We want to hear what our customers think and to learn from their experiences. To help us do this we are recruiting people to become members of our Student Finance Lab and give us their opinions on student finance services, which will help us continually improve.
As a member, we will ask you to participate in short interactive surveys and discussions. You’ll have the chance to win a £250 Amazon voucher every month, as our way of saying thank you.
Join now at www.thestudentfinancelab.com
26 January 2011 - Thinking about going to University in 2012/13?
We have produced a quick guide to help answer any questions you may have. You can find out about what's changing and what support you may qualify for.
The guide applies to both full-time and part-time students.
28 October 2011 - Student Finance Wales Day
14 November, a date for your diary!
Monday 14 November is Student Finance Wales Day; part of a national awareness raising campaign dedicated to explaining the changes to student finance in 2012/13, for higher education students in Wales.
The campaign is being delivered by Higher Education Wales, the Welsh Government, Higher Education Liaison Officers’ Association (HELOA) and Higher Education Institutions.
4th October 2011 - Partial Cancellation of student loan debt
In March 2009, in response to phase one of the Review of Higher Education in Wales, the then Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills reaffirmed the Welsh Governments commitment to provide extra assistance with student debt.
In line with these proposals, students who receive a Maintenance Loan for academic year 2010/11 or 2011/12 will be eligible for a partial cancellation of their loan of up to £1,500 once they start to make their repayments.
If you have received a Maintenance Loan in the 2010/11 academic year
You can now make a repayment by logging into your account on www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk
Once you have made your repayment your balance will then be automatically adjusted to show the partial cancellation you have been awarded. This will then be shown on the next annual statement you are sent.
If you are receiving a Maintenance Loan in the 2011/12 academic year
If you’ve taken out a Maintenance Loan for this academic year or would like further information please read the Partial cancellation policy on the repayment website.
15 September 2011 - Beware of bogus emails
We are aware of a number of email campaigns claiming to be from Student Finance Wales. These bogus emails (phishing) may ask you to provide your security details. If you receive a suspicious email please forward it immediately to security@slc.co.uk.
Protecting you and your information is paramount to Student Finance Wales. Remember we will never email you asking for login or user details. It's easy to protect yourself online - to find out more, visit our security information page.
16 May 2011 – Higher Education Support 2012/13
Going to university is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. No doubt the end product will be worth it, but you need to consider how you’re going to pay for your tuition fees and living costs while you’re there. The good news is that if you live in Wales and are an eligible student, you’ll be entitled to financial support from Student Finance Wales.
What can I get?
Help is available to pay your fees and living costs. What you get depends on your household income and your choice of university. For details on specific support, ask your local authority or browse this website.
Grants
If you come from a lower income household you may be eligible for the Assembly Learning Grant, which will be payable up to a maximum award of £5,000. If you don’t qualify for a full grant you may qualify for a partial grant on a sliding scale. There are other grants available for students with special circumstances, such as those with children or adult dependants, and those who have a disability.
Loans
Maintenance loans are available to help with living expenses. You don’t have to pay the loan back until you’ve left university and are:
- Earning over £21,000 if you're a new student in 2012/13
- Earning over £15,000 if you're a continuing student in 2012/13
Most universities charge a course fee, but this does not have to be paid up front as you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance Wales.
It’s likely that your university will be charging higher fees from September 2012, but you can also apply for a New Fee Grant to offset some of the cost. This will mean that as a Welsh student you still won’t need to find your fees up front as the loan and grant will be paid directly to the university or college on your behalf.
When do I apply?
Applications are likely to be available early in 2012 for anyone starting their course of study on or after 1 September 2012. Apply early for student support to make sure that it is ready for you to access once you register at the university of your choice.
How do I apply?
You will be able to apply online by registering on the Student Finance Wales website once the application becomes available in early 2012.
Contacts
Student Finance Wales Contact Centre – 0845 602 8845 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday or between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.
Your Local Authority – use the LA finder or ask your school or college for details
4 April 2011 - Important: Thinking of taking a gap year in 2011/12?
Unlike in previous years, a student taking a gap year in 2011/12 and commencing a course of higher education in AY 2012/13 will be not be considered as a continuing student (treated the same as a student who started in 2011/12).
Students who defer entry from 2011 to 2012 will be eligible for the 2012/13 student support package.
1 April 2011 - Your Security is Important to us
At Student Finance Wales, we take your security very seriously and are committed to protecting you whenever you use our services. To help us do this you should always have your Customer Reference Number and Secret Answer available before speaking to one of our advisors. If you don't have your Customer Reference Number and Secret Answer you will be asked some additional security questions before we can access your account and help with your enquiry.
1 March 2011 - Your website is changing
You may have noticed that the Student Finance Wales website has changed recently. This is part of an ongoing process to make your site easier to use, with improved layout and visuals, ensuring you get the information you need easily. Check back soon for more!
