Student Finance England: Changing Universities Made Simple

If you need to change your university on your Student Finance England application, you can do so through your online account. You can also apply by post if you're unable to apply online. It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application, and you might have to provide extra evidence. You must update your application if your circumstances change, for example, if you change your course or tuition fee loan. You'll also need to contact Student Finance England if you've changed your name, marital status, or address.

How to change university on Student Finance England

Updating your student finance details

It is important to note that it can take up to six weeks to approve any changes to your application. Therefore, it is recommended to plan accordingly and make any necessary updates as soon as possible. Additionally, remember to keep your details up to date throughout your course, as some changes can affect your loan payments, such as changes to your household income or bank details.

You can also change your bank details by signing into your online account. However, please note that Student Finance England can only make payments to a UK bank or building society account in your name. If you expect a payment and want to change your bank details, you must provide four working days' notice for the payment to be made to your new account.

For other changes, such as your name, date of birth, or gender, you may need to follow different procedures. For example, to change your name, you can use your student finance account, but you will also need to fill out and submit form CO2. To change your date of birth, you must provide original evidence, such as a copy of your medical records signed by your doctor, along with a signed and dated cover letter. Regarding gender changes, Student Finance England will not assume a student has changed their gender, even with a change of name deed, unless explicitly requested.

Changing your course or university

If you want to change your course or university, you can do so through your Student Finance online account. You can also upload a completed CO1 form to your online account if you are unable to make the change online. 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. It can take up to 6 weeks to approve any changes to your application.

You will also need to contact Student Finance England if you have changed your name or marital status, or if you are living somewhere new. You can do this by filling in form CO2 or EUCO1 and sending it by post to the address on the form.

If you are changing your course or university, it is important to keep your details up to date as some changes can affect your loan payments. For example, if your household income or bank details change, you will need to update your application. You can change your bank details by signing into your online account, but you must give 4 working days' notice before any expected payments.

If you are writing to Student Finance England to request a change, you should include your name, Customer Reference Number (CRN), the date, and your signature on the letter. Changes to your date of birth cannot be made through your online account; you will need to provide original evidence plus a signed and dated cover letter requesting the change.

Changing your bank details

To change your university on Student Finance England, you will need to log in to your online account. From there, you can change your university, college, or course details. If you are unable to make the change online, 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. It can take up to 6 weeks to approve any changes, so it is important to make any changes as soon as possible.

To change your bank details, sign in to your online account and select 'Your personal details' from the menu at the top of the page. Next to 'Bank account details', select 'Change'. You will then need to confirm your old bank or building society details for security and enter your new account information.

It is important to keep your bank details up to date to ensure you receive your payments at the start of each term. Student Finance England can only make payments to a UK bank or building society account, and the account must be in your name. They cannot make payments to third-party accounts under any circumstances. If you are expecting a payment, you must provide 4 working days' notice for any changes to your bank details to ensure that the payment is made to your new account. Changes made within this time will not take effect before the payment is due.

Changing your name or marital status

If you need to change your name or marital status on your Student Finance England account, you'll need to contact Student Finance England directly. You can do this by filling in form CO2, which can be submitted through your student finance account or by post to the address provided on the form. If you are changing your name, you will also need to include a covering letter with a clear photocopy of evidence for your name change, such as a copy of your marriage certificate or change of name deed. This letter must be signed and dated by you, confirming the change and the reason for it, and should include your name, customer reference number, and signature. If you are changing your marital status, you must include a copy of your marriage certificate or other evidence of your new marital status.

It's important to keep your details up to date, as some changes can affect your loan payments. For example, if your household income or bank details change, it's important to update this information as soon as possible. You can change your bank details by signing into your online account, but you must give four working days' notice for any changes to take effect before the next payment is due.

If you are unable to make changes to your name or marital status online, you can upload a completed CO1 form to your online account, and Student Finance England will be able to make the changes for you. Changes to your date of birth cannot be made through your online account, and you will need to send in a signed and dated cover letter requesting the change, along with original evidence of your correct date of birth.

If you are changing your university, college, or course details, you can do this through your online account. However, 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.

Reapplying for student finance

If you are a student from England or one who normally lives in England, you can apply online for student finance for the 2025-2026 academic year. The online application is for student finance, including Tuition Fee Loans, Maintenance Loans, and Maintenance Grants.

To apply, you will need to create a student finance account if you are a new student or sign in to your existing account if you are a returning student. You will be sent application forms to fill in and return by post. It is important to check that your contact details, especially your address, are correct. You can also apply by post if you are unable to apply online. It can take up to six weeks to process your application, and you might have to provide extra evidence.

You must update your application if your circumstances change. For example, if your household income or bank details change, you must inform Student Finance England. You can change your bank details by signing into your online account. However, you will need four working days' notice to change your bank details before your next payment.

If you are writing to Student Finance England to make changes to your application, please include your name, Customer Reference Number (CRN), the date, and your signature on the letter.

Frequently asked questions