Student finance if you suspend or leave your course
Getting student finance while you suspend your studies
You might be able to get student finance while you’re away from your course if you suspend due to illness, bereavement or another serious personal reason.
You’ll need to reapply for funding if you return to your studies in a new academic year. Your funding will restart automatically if you return in the same academic year.
If you suspend because you’re seriously ill
Your university or college must tell the Student Loans Company (SLC) about your situation, including the date you suspended your course.
You might be able to get a Maintenance Loan or any other grants you’re entitled to for 60 days from the date you suspended your course. This is paid in proportion to the time you’ve studied and up to 60 extra days.
If you are due to receive a Postgraduate Master’s Loan or Postgraduate Doctoral Loan payment within 60 days of the date you suspended your course, you will still get it. You will get the full payment.
Apply for extra money
If you’re having financial difficulties after 60 days, you might be able to get more money from:
- your Maintenance LoanÂ
- your Postgraduate Master’s Loan
- your Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
- any grants you’re entitled to
Call Student Finance England (SFE) to check if you’re eligible to apply for extra financial help. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to complete a financial hardship confirmation form. SFE will then let you know whether you qualify for further help.
You’ll need your customer reference number when you call.
Student Finance England
Telephone: 0300 100 0607
(if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0300 100 0607
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
You’ll need your customer reference number when you call.
If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, contact:
You might also be able to get extra money from your university or college hardship fund.
If you suspend for another serious personal reason
While you suspend your studies, you might still be able to get money from:
- your Maintenance LoanÂ
- your Postgraduate Master’s Loan
- your Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
- any grants you’re entitled to
Call Student Finance England (SFE) to check if you’re eligible to apply for extra financial help. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to complete a financial hardship confirmation form. SFE will then let you know whether you qualify for further help.
Student Finance England
Telephone: 0300 100 0607
(if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0300 100 0607
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
You’ll need your customer reference number when you call.
If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, contact: