National insurance number

I am trying to apply for student finance but i don't seem to have gotten a national insurance number and I've tried calling all the numbers on the gov website but they all keep sending me in circles to different departments until get to the same one i started with...
you are meant to get one when you turn 16 but i never got one..

What should i do?

Hello everyone!

I'm currently in the process of applying to universities in the UK for a postgraduate degree. I've just submitted my application for a postgraduate student loan to student finance and now I'm asked to quote the National Insurance number on my student finance application. Here's my situation- I'm an EU citizen (Cypriot, to be precise) and I've never worked or lived in the UK, therefore I've never applied for a NI number.

My question is- is it necessary to apply by contacting the National Insurance number application line in order to complete my application or is it possible to apply for one once I enter the UK? Will the latter jeopardise my application for a student loan?

Any information regarding my request is fully appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!