How to Change Course on Student Finance: A Guide for UK Students

Changing your university course is a big decision, and one of the first questions most students ask is: “How will this affect my Student Finance?” The short answer is: yes, you can change your course and still receive Student Finance support, but the process depends on when you change, how many years you’ve already been funded, and whether your new course is at the same university or a different one.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to change course on Student Finance in the UK, including the rules, timelines, and strategies to make sure you don’t miss out on funding. I’ll also share a unique insider perspective—how universities themselves process course changes behind the scenes, something most students don’t see but directly affects how quickly your Student Finance is updated.

Understanding the Basics: How Student Finance Works in the UK

Before diving into how to change course, it’s important to understand the foundation of Student Finance. In England (via Student Finance England – SFE), tuition fee loans and maintenance loans are typically granted based on the course you’ve applied for, your previous study history, and your university’s confirmation of your enrolment.

Here are the key points to remember:

1. Tuition Fee Loan – Paid directly to your university.

2. Maintenance Loan – Paid into your bank account at the start of each term.

3. Eligibility Rules – Normally cover the length of your course + one extra year (commonly called “+1 rule”).

4. Previous Study Rule – If you have already studied a higher education course before, this may reduce your entitlement.

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When you change your course, Student Finance must reassess your application. Sometimes this is automatic, but often you must contact them directly to avoid delays in payments.

Can You Change Course on Student Finance Without Losing Funding?

The good news is: YES, you can. However, the outcome depends on three main factors:

1. When you change your course – Early in the academic year vs later.

2. What type of change do you make – Same university, different university, or same course but different start date?

3. Your funding history – How many years of support you’ve already used.

Here’s a breakdown: How to Change Course on Student Finance

• Changing Early (First Few Weeks): If you change in the first month of your course, universities often treat it as a transfer rather than a withdrawal. This means Student Finance can simply update your course details without reducing your funding entitlement.

• Changing Later in the Year: If you change mid-year, Student Finance may treat this as “withdrawing” from your original course, and the loan you received for that period will count as a year of entitlement.

• Changing Universities: This usually takes longer because your new university must confirm your enrolment before Student Finance releases new payments. Expect some administrative lag.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering switching courses, speak to your university’s Student Support Office first. They can advise on the exact deadline that Student Finance recognizes as an “internal course transfer.” This can save you a full year of loan entitlement.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Change Course on Student Finance

Changing your course on Student Finance isn’t complicated if you know the right steps. Here’s the process:

1. Talk to Your University First

• Before contacting Student Finance, get written confirmation from your university that your transfer has been approved.

• Universities have internal deadlines and codes they must submit to Student Finance. If this paperwork isn’t done, Student Finance won’t process your change.

2. Contact Student Finance

• Call Student Finance England (0300 100 0607) or use your online account.

• Let them know you are changing course and request a “Change of Circumstances” form if it’s not available online.

3. Submit the Change of Circumstances Form

• Include your new course details, start date, and whether you’re staying at the same university.

• Student Finance will reassess your tuition and maintenance loan entitlement.

4. Wait for Your New Entitlement Letter

• You’ll receive a “Notification of Entitlement” letter confirming the updated loan.

• Check carefully—sometimes your maintenance loan changes if your course length changes (e.g., moving from a 3-year to a 4-year course).

5. Confirm with Your University

• Your university must reconfirm your enrolment with Student Finance after the change. Without this confirmation, payments won’t be released.

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Tip: Keep checking your online Student Finance account—it will show the updated course information once processed.

Common Scenarios When Changing Course on Student Finance

Every student’s situation is slightly different, but here are the most common scenarios and how Student Finance usually handles them:

Scenario 1: Switching Courses in the First Year at the Same University

• Easiest case—Student Finance usually just updates your record.

• Your loan entitlement remains the same.

• Maintenance payments continue without interruption if processed quickly.

Scenario 2: Changing Course After a Year or Two

• Student Finance applies the “+1 year” rule.

• Example: If you drop out after Year 1 and restart a new 3-year course, you may only get a tuition loan for 2 years (new course length) + 1 gift year = 3 years. You’ll need to self-fund for one year.

Scenario 3: Moving to a Different University

• Your new university must notify Student Finance.

• Expect delays of 4–6 weeks in maintenance payments—budget accordingly.

• Tuition loan goes to the new university once enrolment is confirmed.

Scenario 4: Changing to a Longer or Shorter Course

• If moving to a longer course (e.g., 3 years → 4 years with placement), you must apply for additional funding.

• If moving to a shorter course, Student Finance reduces your entitlement accordingly.

Unique Insight: The Hidden “University-SFE Communication Gap”

Here’s something few students realize: your Student Finance application doesn’t exist in isolation. Every update relies on a two-way communication system between your university and Student Finance.

• Universities use HESA codes (Higher Education Statistics Agency codes) to register each course. If your new course doesn’t have the correct code submitted, Student Finance will not release payments—even if you’ve already submitted your Change of Circumstances form.

• Payment delays often come from mismatched course codes, not from Student Finance processing times. Universities sometimes submit the wrong code (for example, “English Literature BA” vs. “English Literature with Creative Writing BA”), which Student Finance treats as a completely different course.

• What this means for you: Always ask your Student Support Office to confirm that they’ve updated your HESA code with Student Finance. This behind-the-scenes step can make the difference between a smooth transition and a six-week delay in receiving your maintenance loan.

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This hidden layer of admin is rarely explained to students, but it’s one of the most common reasons course changes result in delayed payments.

Risks and Challenges of Changing Course on Student Finance

While changing your course can be the best decision for your future, there are potential downsides:

1. Loss of a Year of Funding: If you switch late, you might “use up” a year of entitlement.

2. Payment Delays: Maintenance loans can be delayed for weeks during transitions.

3. Repayment Implications: Dropping out mid-year doesn’t erase your loan—you’ll still owe what’s been paid.

4. Impact on Graduation Timeline: A course change may extend your studies, delaying your entry into the workforce.

5. Visa Implications (for International Students): If you’re on a Student Visa, you must update UKVI about your course change, or risk breaching visa conditions.

How to Minimise the Impact on Student Finance When Changing Course

Changing course doesn’t have to mean financial stress. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Decide Early: If you’re unhappy with your course, speak up in the first term. Early changes usually don’t cost you a funding year.

• Budget for Delays: Have at least 1 month of savings or overdraft cover in case your loan is delayed.

• Use Your “Gift Year” Strategically: Everyone gets one extra year of funding—save it for when you need it.

• Keep Records: Keep copies of all correspondence with Student Finance and your university.

• Seek Advice: University Student Support and Students’ Union Advice Centres often have staff who specialize in Student Finance cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I lose my student finance if I change course?

Not necessarily. If you change early in your degree, Student Finance often transfers your funding. But if you change later, you might lose one year of entitlement.

2. How long does it take for Student Finance to update my course?

It can take 2–6 weeks, depending on how quickly your university submits the updated course code.

3. Can I change courses more than once?

Yes, but each change may cost you another year of funding entitlement. Too many changes can leave you with self-funded years.

4. Do I have to repay my loan immediately if I withdraw before changing course?

No. Repayments only begin once you earn above the repayment threshold after graduation.

Final Thoughts: Is Changing Course Worth It?

Changing course is never an easy decision, but sometimes it’s the right one for your academic success and long-term career. From a Student Finance perspective, the earlier you act, the smoother the process will be.

Remember: Student Finance is not just about the government—your university’s admin team plays a huge role. Always confirm that both sides (university and SFE) have processed your change correctly.

As an academic consultant, my advice is this: don’t let fear of Student Finance stop you from making the right choice. But go in with your eyes open—plan for potential delays, know your entitlement rules, and keep communication lines open with both Student Finance and your university.

With careful planning, you can switch courses smoothly without derailing your academic journey or your finances.