Moving from Student Finance NI to SFE

I received my undergraduate study loan from Student Finance Northern Ireland, but I am now starting a master's in England and would like to apply for funding in England. I have been trying to apply for SFE online, but it keeps connecting to my NI account. Is there any way I can change this to receive SFE funding?
I have been living and working in England since I graduated from my bachelor's.

Reply 1

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there,

How long have you lived in England? When does your Postgraduate course start?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 2

estella067

I have lived in England since January 2025 and my course starts in October

Reply 3

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there,

What was the reason for the move to England?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 4

estella067

I moved here to find a job related to my undergraduate degree

Reply 5

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there,

If you have moved to England and it wasn't for the purpose of study you should apply to Student Finance England however the applications have not been launched yet. They should launch in April but we do not know the exact date. If you follow us on social media we will let you know when the applications are launched on this platform. You will also need to complete a paper application as you will not be able to apply online.

Thanks, Drew

Reply 6

estella067

Thanks for your help!
Do you know roughly how long it will be until I hear back from SFE after I have submitted my application in April?
My course has a time limit for confirming funding.

Reply 7

SFE Jason

Official Rep

Original post by estella067

Thanks for your help!
Do you know roughly how long it will be until I hear back from SFE after I have submitted my application in April?
My course has a time limit for confirming funding.

We advise 6-8 weeks as a general timescale for applications once they go live. Thanks, Jason