Your course
The qualification, study mode and course structure can affect whether funding is available. Not every course is funded in the same way.
STUDENT SERVICES
SFE Eligibility Checker
Understand the main factors first, then confirm your position through the official Student Finance service.
STUDENT FINANCE ENGLAND
Eligibility depends on more than one question.
Student Finance England eligibility can depend on your course, provider, previous study, age, nationality, residency status and other individual circumstances.
UNIBEE can help you understand the main areas that may affect an application, but we do not determine eligibility, entitlement or the amount of funding available. Student Finance England and the relevant official services make those decisions.
Funding rules can change and different arrangements can apply according to when a course starts. Always use current GOV.UK and Student Finance England information before making a financial decision.
OFFICIAL CHECK FIRST
Use the government eligibility service for confirmation.
The official checker can help identify what student finance you may be able to apply for based on nationality and residency. Other factors, including course, provider, previous study and age, also matter.
Open GOV.UK Eligibility Checker →KEY ELIGIBILITY FACTORS
Six areas to understand before you rely on an estimate.
These are common factors highlighted in official guidance. They are not a decision on your individual eligibility.
Your education provider
Funding depends on the relevant provider and course meeting applicable requirements. Check the exact course and provider rather than relying on a similar programme.
Your study history
Previous higher-education study or earlier government funding can affect entitlement. The rules differ according to the funding system that applies to your course.
Nationality and residency
Your nationality, immigration or residency status and where you have been living can affect whether you may qualify for full support or tuition-fee-only funding.
Your age
Age can affect certain types of support. The relevant rules depend on the funding route and the support you are applying for.
Your individual position
Course changes, withdrawals, repeat years and other personal circumstances can affect an assessment and may require supporting evidence.
COURSE START DATE MATTERS
Student finance is changing for courses starting from 2027.
GOV.UK separates the rules for courses starting before 1 January 2027 from the newer Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding system used for most relevant courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027.
Before 1 January 2027Existing undergraduate student-finance rules continue to apply to relevant courses that start before this date.
From 1 January 2027Most relevant courses and modules use Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding, with separate eligibility and application guidance.
Previous studyThe effect of earlier study can differ under the newer system, so use the guidance that matches your course start date.
Official confirmationCheck the current GOV.UK route for your exact start date before applying or relying on funding.
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
Check the source that applies to you.
Use GOV.UK for current eligibility and application rules.
Undergraduate eligibility before 2027 →Eligibility from 1 January 2027 →Student finance overview →BEFORE YOU CHECK
Prepare the facts that can affect your answer.
A more accurate conversation starts with complete information about your circumstances.
01
Start date
Know when the course is due to begin so you use the correct funding rules.
02
Course
Have the exact course title, level, study mode and provider information available.
03
Status
Know your nationality and relevant immigration or residency status.
04
Residence
Be ready to explain where you have lived during the relevant period before the course.
05
Study history
Include previous higher-education study even where a course was not completed or was self-funded.
06
Evidence
Keep documents that may be requested by Student Finance England to support your circumstances.
HOW UNIBEE CAN HELP
Guidance around the process, not a funding decision.
We can help prospective students understand the terminology, identify the main factors to check and find the relevant official route.
ExplainClarify common Student Finance terminology and the information shown in official guidance.
SignpostDirect you towards the relevant GOV.UK or Student Finance England service.
PrepareHelp you identify information you may need when checking or applying.
SeparateKeep course guidance, provider admission and student-finance decisions clearly distinguished.
IMPORTANT
UNIBEE cannot approve Student Finance.
Only the appropriate official body can assess an application and confirm whether you are eligible, what type of support you can receive and how much may be available.
Do not enrol, commit to fees or make financial decisions solely on the basis of an informal eligibility discussion. Check your position officially.
CHECK OFFICIALLY
Use official Student Finance information before you decide.
If you need help understanding the factors first, UNIBEE can provide general guidance and point you towards the appropriate official service.