Need Advice on Student Finance Eligibility After Previous Study & Placement Year

2

Hi everyone,
I'm reaching out for some advice regarding student finance.
Many years ago, I started university and completed a foundation year and year one before dropping out. Those two years were fully self‑funded through my parents’ workplace.
In 2024, I decided to return to university to complete my degree and was accepted directly into second‑year entry.
When I applied for Student Finance for the first time, they counted my previously self‑funded years as two years of study. I’ve also completed a placement year, which they consider another funded year.
This means that although I have only received actual funding for two years, Student Finance counts me as having used four years.
I’m due to return to university for my final (third) year this September. My question is:
If I apply for student finance again, will they still fund me even though I took a placement year that they consider a funded year?
Any guidance or experience would be really appreciated, thank you!

Reply 1

Drew SLC

Official Rep

8

Hi there,

Sorry I am abit confused as you said you studied for 2 years and had a placement year which would be 3 years of funding but then you said it was 4 years of funding. Are you including your direct entry to year 2 of the course you are currently on which would mean 4 years? Also was the placement year apart of the course that you had studied for 2 years? Did you receive any qualifications from this course?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 2

Mrswrighttemple

OP

2

Hi Drew,
Thank you for your quick response, to clarify. I studied for two years in 2012 (including a foundation year and year 1). This time, I have completed year 2 and a placement year, which is due to finish in August. This placement is part of my course, but it is optional. I completed one module this year, which counts towards my final grade; however, I paid reduced fees with no grants.
I hope that makes sense.
Abbie

Reply 3

Graeme SFE

Official Rep

8

Original post

by Mrswrighttemple

Hi Drew,
Thank you for your quick response, to clarify. I studied for two years in 2012 (including a foundation year and year 1). This time, I have completed year 2 and a placement year, which is due to finish in August. This placement is part of my course, but it is optional. I completed one module this year, which counts towards my final grade; however, I paid reduced fees with no grants.
I hope that makes sense.
Abbie

Thanks Abbie,

Just to clarify, is this the final year of the same course that you've currently on, or have you changed course and/or university since 2024?

Thanks, Graeme

Reply 4

Mrswrighttemple

OP

2

Original post

by Graeme SFE

Thanks Abbie,
Just to clarify, is this the final year of the same course that you've currently on, or have you changed course and/or university since 2024?
Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme, this is for my final year on the same course I've been studying since 2024. thank you

Reply 5

Mrswrighttemple

OP

2

i also wanted to mention that the reasons for leaving the first time was due to child death and mental health. Would the exception apply

Reply 6

Leah SLC

Official Rep

7

Hi there. At the start of this current course you would have been sent information regarding the amount of years funding you have left. If this current course is 4 years long ( but you directly entered year 2) your calculation would have been;

4 (length of course) + 1 (additional year) - 2 years (previous self funded study) = 3 years of funding left. So, if you are continuing on the exact same course then you would be fully covered for this current one, based on the information you have provided. Please note this is general advice only. Thanks, Leah.

Reply 7

Mrswrighttemple

OP

2

Tthank you so much for the advice when I applied for the course I was in aware of the placement year, so when applying I only applied as a three year course and not a four year course. Would the placement year be applied on my account automatically since they approved the placement year on SFE

Reply 8

Claire SFE

Official Rep

8

Original post

by Mrswrighttemple

Tthank you so much for the advice when I applied for the course I was in aware of the placement year, so when applying I only applied as a three year course and not a four year course. Would the placement year be applied on my account automatically since they approved the placement year on SFE

Hi,

We would need the university to send us a change of circumstances to confirm you're on the 4 year course so we can update the application. Once received, it's currently taking 7 working days to update.

Thanks,
Claire

Need Advice on Student Finance Eligibility After Previous Study & Placement Year

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