Student Loan?

[SlapheadSteve]

As cadets, are we entitled to student loans? I'll be starting phase 3 in September and have a car etc to pay for, as well as halls of residence. A loan would really help, but I wasn't sure if we'd be entitled to them considering that we're paid students. If we are entitled, is it limited due to the fact that we're paid?

A heads up would be great just before I attempt applying.

[Markie93]

I believe you are, as your payments are considered Sponsorship payments. Although I would be quick about sorting the loan out as we were told to get the forms sent in by about April by the college.

[Polaris]

Yes you can apply. You can apply for the loan at any point during your phase.

[saltydog]

I was told by a shipping company that you can only apply for a student loan in your third phase...

[Polaris]

Myself and others have taken out student loans in phase 1 and 3, we are PD cadets, maybe different for other routes.

[HarmlessWeasel]

I was told by a shipping company that you can only apply for a student loan in your third phase...

I think that's for the HNC/D route

[Ducki52]

FD cadets can get student loans from day one, HND students must wait until phase 3.

[saltydog]

Thanks for clarifying

[moose]

What would be the case for those who hold a degree before cadetship?
Is it a case of loan or grant only? I remember reading something about funding for second degrees...

[SlapheadSteve]

I believe you are, as your payments are considered Sponsorship payments. Although I would be quick about sorting the loan out as we were told to get the forms sent in by about April by the college.

According to the Student Finance England website the applications aren't available until later this year. I'm assuming they'll be available soon for September. Another problem is that it asks for the course title/code, which I won't know until September.

[CharlieDelta]

Applications for 2013-2014 should be open - check the years are right!

Don't worry if you don't know the exact code, just look for your college/course in their menu and pick the closest thing.

[SlapheadSteve]

Applications for 2013-2014 should be open - check the years are right!

Don't worry if you don't know the exact code, just look for your college/course in their menu and pick the closest thing.

That's what I was going to do, but if I get it wrong won't it **** the whole thing up? Might be better off giving them a call I think.

[CharlieDelta]

Not necessarily. The application isn't for a specific course - lots of students apply way before they know that they've got a definite place on a certain course at a certain university. The actual course details are confirmed once the college confirm your attendance with SFE.

Definitely call if you're concerned though, their phone service has improved dramatically over the last few years.

[SlapheadSteve]

Yesterday applications weren't showing as available on my SFE profile, today they are! Done the application and without taking parents income into account, I'm apparently entitled to just over ?3500 in maintenance. However on one of the last pages of the application it just keeps showing error. Balls.

"Unfortunately there has been a problem with your application, please use the 'Continue' button to return to your previous page to check the data that you have entered and try again. If this problem persists then please log out and try again later."