Student finance deferring start

Hi,
I have an offer for jan 2026 course eligible for full maintenance loan and fees loan
I'f I defer to jan 2027 can I still apply for the student finance now and have it granted?
Or how early can I apply?
If I apply for jan 2026 now - and then in 2 months decide to defer to Jan 2027, do I have to start again with the application?

Reply 1

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi Aromaticrutabaga

You can apply now then if you change course, you can just update the course details on your account if required, you don't need to apply all over again.

https://logon.slc.co.uk

Thanks, Clare

Reply 2

Aromaticrutabaga

Okay it wouldn't be a course change, it would be delayed entry, so 1 year deferred.
If it's accepted and then I defer, do I.just make this start date change on the application (so from 2026 to 2027) ?

Reply 3

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi Aromaticrutabaga

Thank you for clarifying. In that case, you would just cancel the application then apply when the applications are available for 26/27, these generally open in the Spring prior to the September intake.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 4

Aromaticrutabaga

Okay it is January intake, what month do they generally open?