The doctor will see you now - Which Medical School Should You Apply To >>

Student Finance: Wont let us select 'First Year'

My son is applying for Student Finance for a course starting September 2026.
He applied for the course last year, received an offer, accepted it, and then deferred. The deferral was accepted by Coventry University, and his UCAS application clearly shows a September 2026 start date. The Uni admissions teams also confirm they have him as a Sept 26 starter.
He’s now started his Student Finance application and selected ‘First Year’, but he’s then asked:
“Are you returning to this course after a break you agreed with your university or college?”
When he selects ‘No’, he gets this message:
“The year you have selected is not available to new students. Please confirm your course details with your university or college.”
Has anyone come across this before or know what might be causing it?
I’ve tried looking for the webchat option on the Student Finance application pages, but there’s no pop‑up appearing.
All advice gratefully received.

Reply 1

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, for to assist you with your query please answer the following questions:

What is the exact course title?
Is this a Full Time or Part Time course?
How many years is the course in total?
Thanks, Stephen.

Reply 2

kirk-harding

Original post

by Stephen SLC

Hi there, for to assist you with your query please answer the following questions:
What is the exact course title?
Is this a Full Time or Part Time course?
How many years is the course in total?
Thanks, Stephen.

Thanks so much.

The course is BA Automotive and Transport Design with placement year (Course Code WHG3).

It's full time

4 years in total (including placement)

Reply 3

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there,

Thank you for confirming those details. When I have checked the course details on our database the university have said this course is for returners only. If the student did not attend at all in the 2025/26 academic year they would be classed as a new student. You would need to speak to the university as they will need to update the database before the student can apply.

Thanks, Drew

Reply 4

kirk-harding

Thanks Drew. That's really good to know. I will contact the uni.