Student Finance University Switch: Is It Possible?

If you need to change your university on your student finance application, you can do so by logging in to your online account and updating your details. It is important to notify Student Finance England of any changes as soon as possible, as it could affect your funding. If your course has already started, you will need to ask your university or college to send a request to update your application. It can take up to six weeks to approve any changes, so it is important to make any changes straight away.

Changing your university choice before the course starts

If you need to change your university choice before your course starts, you can do so by updating your student finance details. This can be done through your online account on the official government website.

To change your university choice, follow these steps:

• Log in to your student finance account on the official government website.
• Navigate to the Change your application section.
• Update your university/college course details with your new choice.
• Submit the changes and review your updated application.

It is important to notify Student Finance England of any changes as soon as possible. This will allow them to reassess your application and determine if there are any changes to the amount of student finance you are eligible for. Processing times can vary, so making changes in a timely manner is advisable.

If you are unable to make the changes online, you may need to complete and submit a paper form, such as the CO1 Form, along with a cover letter explaining the requested changes. You can also contact Student Finance England directly for guidance on changing your application.

Changing your university choice after the course starts

Changing your university choice after your course has started is a big decision that may have financial implications. It is not always a straightforward process and depends on several factors, such as the course you are studying, the course you want to take instead, and the university you are moving to. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Research your options

Before making any decisions, it is important to thoroughly research your alternative course options. Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the new course and check for any specific grades or qualifications needed. Consider whether you want to change to a similar course within the same university or transfer to a completely different course at another university.

Step 2: Initiate the transfer

If you are committed to the idea of changing your course or university, the next step is to speak with your current course tutor. Be open about your reasons for wanting to switch and ask them to help you initiate the transfer process with the university's support services. They will be able to check if there is space on the course you wish to transfer to and guide you through the necessary steps.

Step 3: Prepare for interviews and additional requirements

If you are transferring to a different department or moving from a single to joint honours course, you may need to write a new personal statement or attend a formal interview. The admissions team will want to assess your commitment to the new course and ensure you have what it takes to succeed.

Step 4: Contact Student Finance

It is important to update your Student Finance account with any changes to your course or university. Log in to your account and go to "Your Account > Change Your Application > University/College Course". Student Finance England will reassess your application and inform you of any changes to your funding as soon as possible.

Step 5: Be mindful of timing

The sooner you decide to change your course or university, the better. Most universities will allow you to switch during the first term, and you may be able to catch up with the new course. However, leaving it too late may result in having to reapply for the next academic year.

Remember, changing your university choice is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Ensure you research your options thoroughly, seek advice from support services, and stay in communication with your current university and Student Finance throughout the process.

Notifying Student Finance England of changes

It is important to notify Student Finance England of any changes to your application as soon as possible, as it could affect your funding.

If your course hasn't started yet

You can change your university, college, or course details through your online account. If you are unable to make the change online, you can upload a completed CO1 form to your online account.

If your course has started

If the course you initially applied for has already started, you’ll need to ask your university or college to send a request to update your university, college, or course details on your application.

Changes you must report

You must tell Student Finance England if:

• You’ve changed your course, university, or college
• You’re repeating a year
• You’ve changed your name or marital status
• Your Tuition Fee Loan amount has changed
• You’re living somewhere new

How to report changes

How you report changes depends on whether you receive tuition fee-only funding. There’s a different process if you’ve changed your name or marital status.

If you’re a full-time student

Use your student finance account to tell Student Finance England about changes.

If you’re a part-time student

You’ll need to fill in form CO2 to tell Student Finance England about changes. Use your student finance account to send the form to Student Finance England, or send it by post. The address is on the form.

If you receive tuition fee-only funding

You’ll need to fill in form EUCO1 to tell Student Finance England about changes. Send the form to Student Finance England by post. The address is on the form.

If you’ve changed your name or marital status

You must write and tell Student Finance England if you’ve changed your name or marital status. The letter must include:

• Your customer reference number
• Evidence that you’ve changed your name or marital status

If you’ve changed your name, you must include a copy of one of the following with your letter:

• Marriage certificate
• Final or conditional order
• Change of name deed - it must be an enrolled deed poll

If you’ve changed your marital status, you must include a copy of one of the following with your letter:

• Marriage certificate
• Final or conditional order
• Civil partnership final order

Use your student finance account to send the letter and evidence to Student Finance England, or send it by post

Potential delays in receiving funding

If you need to change your university on your student finance application, it's important to act as soon as possible. You can change your university details through your online account before your course starts. However, if your course has already begun, you'll need to ask your university to send a request to update your application.

Student finance applications typically take up to six weeks to process. Therefore, if you need to make changes to your application, you may experience a delay in receiving your funding. It is recommended to notify Student Finance England of any changes as soon as possible to avoid potential delays.

If you are an EU student, it is important to note that applications can take up to six weeks to process. Ensure you apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays in receiving funding.

When changing your university details, you may need to complete a paper form and provide a cover letter explaining the changes. This process can take time, and there may be delays in processing your updated application. It is advised to contact Student Finance England for guidance on the specific steps and requirements.

If you are transferring to a different university, you may experience delays in receiving your funding. It is important to notify Student Finance England of your transfer as soon as possible. They will need to reassess your application, which may take some time.

It is important to keep your student finance details up to date, as some changes can affect your loan payments. For example, if your household income or bank details change, you must update your application. These changes can impact the amount and timing of your funding.

Repaying any excess funding

If you receive more funding than you are entitled to, you will have to repay the excess amount. This is the case even if you leave your course early.

You must inform Student Finance England of any changes to your application, including if you change your course, university, or college. You can do this by logging into your student finance account online, or by filling out and sending a form by post. If you have already started your course, you will need to ask your university or college to send a request to update your application.

It can take up to six weeks to approve any changes to your application, so it is important to make any changes as soon as possible.

If you are expecting a payment, you must give four working days' notice if you wish to change the bank account that it is paid into.

Frequently asked questions