Student awards
We realise that making the decision to study a full-time higher education course is a big step, and that the offer of financial help can be crucial.
The Council works in partnership with the Government's Department for Education and Skills and the Student Loans Company to help provide that help. We will try to ensure that you have all the facts you need.
For enquiries and information about student award eligibility, use our online e-form (secure). Alternatively you can contact:
Making an application
You can apply online by accessing the Student Finance Direct website. Alternatively, you can download forms and accompanying notes from the DFES website.
You can contact your school or college for application forms, or contact us and we will send you an application pack.
Our aim is to provide you with a quality service to take you through the whole application process. At each stage, we will provide notes to help you.
How the application process will work
The new system of student support will be dealt with by a partnership of your 'home' local authority (in this case Wolverhampton City Council), the Student Loans Company, UCAS and the higher education institution where you will be studying. The application process will be in three stages.
Stage 1
Wolverhampton Local Education Authority will see if you are personally eligible for financial support in line with the Government's rules and the information given in your application.
Stage 2
For those who are personally eligible, Wolverhampton Local Education Authority will send a further form to obtain details of family income to assess the maximum amount of grant and loan you are entitled to receive.
Stage 3
Where you decide how much of the loan element you wish to take up and arrange this with the Student Loans Company. They will work with UCAS and your chosen higher education institution to arrange payment of your grant and loan.
By completing form PN1, you will begin Stage 1 of the process for applying for the range of grants and loans available.
As it is now a combined application for grants and loans, all students are encouraged to make an application. If you do not make an application, your higher education institution may charge you higher tuition fees.
Students and courses covered by this application process
The application process is designed for students who intend to study a higher education course leading to a:
- First degree
- BTEC Higher Diploma or HND
- Diploma of Higher Education
- Teacher Training Qualification (including certain part-tome certificate in education courses which provide qualified teacher status).
Students who are planning to take a nursing degree or other courses designed for health service professionals (e.g. Physiotherapy), should contact the NHS Grants Unit to apply for the NHS Bursary Scheme. Students can also apply on the application form for a reduced level of student loan to 'top up' the Bursary.
Independent student status
The Government's rules mean we have to decide whether you are a dependent or independent student. You are an "independent" student if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You will be aged 25 before the start of the academic year for which you are applying for support.
- You have been married or in a civil partnership before the start of your academic year for which you are applying for support. Your local education authority will need to see your marriage certificate or civil partnership schedule.
- You will have supported yourself for at least three years prior to the start of your course. Please provide evidence with you application (e.g. letters from employers, P60s) if this applies to you.
- You have no living parents.
Details from your birth certificate and passport
For applicants born in the UK:
It is a requirement of the Government's student support system that you provide us with your original birth certificate, adoption certificate or your original passport. Photocopies are not acceptable.
For applicants born outside the UK:
We need to see your passport and your original birth certificate or you need to provide your passport and a letter signed by a responsible person stating the details of your date of birth, place and country of birth and names at birth.
In this context, the Government says a responsible person is a minister of religion, doctor, lawyer, teacher, established civil servant, police officer or consular official.
Returning your application
If you attend one of the local Wolverhampton schools/colleges, you may be able to bring your application form and your birth certificate or passport and documentation to school/college.
We intend to come out to some of the local schools/colleges during February and March and check the application forms there.
All original documentation will be left for the school/college to return.
Please ask at your school/college for more information.
You can post your application form and supporting evidence to the Student Finance at:
Student Finance
Pupil and Student Services
Lifelong Learning
Wolverhampton City Council
Civic Centre
St. Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1RR
Original documents will be photocopied and returned to you. Alternatively you can bring your form and evidence to the Education reception at the above address, for details to be checked.
If posting the form please ensure that you affix sufficient postage stamps appropriate to the weight of the envelope.
Check that you have answered all the relevant questions and have signed and dated the form and enclosed all the relevant documents.
Return the completed forms to Student Finance as soon as possible, but no later than nine months after the first day of the academic year of your course.
Thank you for taking the time to read these notes. We hope they have helped you to understand the process for applying for student support for your higher education studies.