Applying for CPR with SFE- PG loan

I'm submitting a MH CPR request to Student Finance England for the 2023/24 academic year and I’d really appreciate any insight from others who’ve gone through the process.

My university (SOAS) didn’t provide any formal letters due to poor communication and what I believe was institutional neglect. However, I was told by a CPR advisor that I don’t need medical evidence or headed letters — just anything that can support my case.

Here’s what I’m including:

Screenshots of dated emails with SOAS mentioning my mental health and absences.

Formal complaint forms submitted to SOAS about their lack of support and communication.

Academic record screenshots showing a clear decline in my performance throughout the year.

A detailed personal statement outlining the timeline and severity of what I went through.

Proof of employment now to show my circumstances have improved and I’m in a better place.

Has anyone had a CPR approved with similar evidence? How likely is it to be successful, statistically speaking? Any tips for organizing the evidence or making the strongest possible case?

Thanks in advance!

Reply 1

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, if you could not complete your course year due to a compelling personal reason, you may be able to receive an additional year of funding if you are able to provide acceptable evidence of this.

Where applicable, we recommend the evidence is signed and dated and confirms the reason why you could not continue with your studies and when this took place (must be date specific).

We can accept photocopies of medical evidence from a GP on headed paper, letters from your university on headed paper, letters from Social Services, clergy or professional person on headed paper and copies of a death certificates and / or a birth certificates.

This list is not exhaustive and any evidence that may help your claim for Compelling Personal Reasons (CPR) should be sent to us for consideration. This evidence can be posted with the new postgraduate application and this can be reviewed at the same time as the application review.

Thanks, Stephen.

Reply 2

5Leon

Original post

by Stephen SLC

Hi there, if you could not complete your course year due to a compelling personal reason, you may be able to receive an additional year of funding if you are able to provide acceptable evidence of this.
Where applicable, we recommend the evidence is signed and dated and confirms the reason why you could not continue with your studies and when this took place (must be date specific).
We can accept photocopies of medical evidence from a GP on headed paper, letters from your university on headed paper, letters from Social Services, clergy or professional person on headed paper and copies of a death certificates and / or a birth certificates.
This list is not exhaustive and any evidence that may help your claim for Compelling Personal Reasons (CPR) should be sent to us for consideration. This evidence can be posted with the new postgraduate application and this can be reviewed at the same time as the application review.
Thanks, Stephen.

I have complaint forms, emails, my work contract to show improved circumstances since leaving SOAS and my low grades which is linked to mental health.

SOAS has a notorious reputation for having bad admin so it’s not likely I will be able to rely on them.

I have reached out to one of my old lecturers who was aware of my circumstances but he is on sabbatical right now. I have proof of this

Reply 3

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi again, I would advise to submit everything that you can at present, we will review this, if this is not enough to award, you can still send further evidence once that becomes available, but we can review what evidence you currently have at present. Thanks, Stephen.