Student Finance: Changing University Details Simplified

Changing universities is a big decision, and it's important to consider the financial implications. If you're thinking about transferring to a new university, you'll need to update your student finance details. The process can vary depending on your location and circumstances, but generally, it's recommended to speak with your local Student Finance office to understand how your financial support could be affected. You may be able to transfer your financial support, but it's important to act quickly as applications can take up to six weeks to process.

Changing your university through Clearing

To change your university through Clearing, you must first decline any existing offers on UCAS Hub. It is recommended that you wait until you have another offer before declining your existing ones, as you won't get your old offer back if you change your mind again. You can then contact your shortlisted universities through their Clearing hotlines. Have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, personal statement, results, and any questions ready before calling.

Once you have a verbal offer, add the course on the UCAS Hub, and the university will confirm your offer. After your place is confirmed, you can update your student finance details. You will need to reapply for student finance for each year of your course, and some changes, such as household income or bank details, can affect your loan payments. You can change your university details through your online account.

It is important to do your research beforehand, know your options, and be prepared. Be clear about the reasons you have chosen your course, and consider what you want from your university experience. Think carefully about the location and whether a campus-based or city-based university would be best for you.

Updating your student finance account

Step 1: Log in to Your Account

Access your student finance account by logging in at www.gov.uk/studentfinance. This is the same account you created when you first applied for student finance.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Change Your Application" Section

Once you are logged in, navigate to the "Change Your Application" section. From there, you can update your university, college, or course details.

Step 3: Make the Necessary Changes

Update your university details by selecting the \"University/College Course\" option. You can also change other details, such as your contact information (address, phone number, and email address) and bank details.

If you are unable to make changes online, you may need to fill out and submit a specific form, such as the CO1 - Change of Circumstances form, or other relevant forms mentioned on the website.

Step 4: Submit the Changes and Wait for Reassessment

After submitting the changes, Student Finance England will reassess your application. They will let you know of any changes to the amount of student finance you are entitled to as soon as possible. This process can take up to six weeks, so it is important to update your details promptly.

Step 5: Inform Your University and Local Student Finance Office

In addition to updating your student finance account, remember to inform your university and your local Student Finance office about any changes. Your university may need to send a "Notification of Student Transfer" form to your local office, who will then carry out a reassessment of your entitlement to financial support.

It is important to keep your student finance details up to date throughout your course. By following these steps, you can ensure that your student finance account reflects any changes in your circumstances.

Reapplying for student finance

If you are reapplying for student finance in the UK, you must update your application if your circumstances have changed. For example, if your household income, bank details, name, or marital status have changed. You will also need to reapply for student finance for each year of your course.

To change your name or marital status, you must fill in form CO2 and send it to Student Finance England by post. You must also write to them to inform them of the change. If you are changing your bank details, you must do so through your online account, and you must give four working days' notice before a payment is due.

If you are changing your university, college, or course details, you can do so through your online account. Alternatively, you can upload a completed CO1 form to your online account. If the course you initially applied for has already started, you will need to ask your university or college to send a request to update your details.

If you are a continuing student who is from or normally lives in England, you should log in to your student finance account and apply online. You will be sent application forms to fill in and return by post. If you are unable to apply online, you can use the form finder to get the forms you need and apply by post.

Changing your course or university

Before you start your studies:

If you want to change your university, college, or course before commencing your studies and have already submitted your student finance application, you are not required to reapply for student finance. However, it is crucial to report this change to the relevant student finance authority, such as Student Finance England or your local Student Finance NI office. They will assess whether the change impacts your funding and make any necessary adjustments to your payments.

During your studies:

Using Clearing:

If you change your course or university through Clearing, you must update your student finance application. The process varies depending on your location and student status. For instance, if you are from England and studying full-time, Student Finance England will reassess your application and notify you of any funding changes. In contrast, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and other locations may need to update their details through their local government or education authority.

Online updates:

In many cases, you can update your details through your online student finance account. You can change your contact information, such as your address, phone number, and email address, as well as your bank details. However, for more significant changes, such as updating your university or course details, you may need to submit a CO1 - Change of Circumstances form.

Remember, it is important to keep your student finance details up to date to ensure you receive the correct funding and to avoid any disruptions to your payments.

Reporting changes to Student Finance NI

If you want to change your university, college or course before you begin your studies and have already submitted your student finance application, you do not need to re-apply for student finance. However, you will have to report the change to your local Student Finance NI office. They will then work out whether there's any effect on the student finance you're entitled to and make any necessary adjustments to your payments. If you want to change your university, college, and/or course during your studies, 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 your local Student Finance NI office to discuss the financial impact.

The quickest and easiest way to tell Student Finance NI about a change is by logging in to your online student finance account. You can change the following information online at any time: contact information (address, telephone number, and email address). Once you have submitted your student finance application, you can only amend contact details and bank details online. For all other changes, you must send in a CO1 - change of circumstances form. You can also upload a completed CO1 Form to your online account.

If you are a Northern Ireland-domiciled student transferring to a course or undertaking 'top-up' courses at a Higher Education Institution elsewhere in the United Kingdom, you may be treated as a new student by the institution. This may happen if your mode of study changes, such as moving from a full-time course to a part-time course. Therefore, you may have to pay tuition fees of £9,250 for full-time courses and increased part-time charges. If you want to repeat a year of your course or postpone your studies, you should first discuss your reasons with your place of study and with your local Student Finance NI office. They will then let you know how your financial support could be affected. If your university or college approves your repeat period or deferment, they will update your local office, who will take a decision on whether you will continue to get full financial support.

If you have been accepted onto a new course at a new place of study, your new university or college will send your local office a form called a 'Notification of Student Transfer', and they will carry out a reassessment on your behalf.

Frequently asked questions