The online application for student finance is usually available in April.

In the past applying for student finance was a complicated business, but now the form can be completed online.

So, for the 22/23 academic year, it is expected that pupils will make an online application for their Student Finance. The student needs to create an online account at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/ (Link at bottom of this page) and complete the application.

Students who have an EMA number must use this number when applying for their student finance. The system will ask for their secret answer and password – they will not have this from before so they will need to ring the Student Loans Company on 0300 100 0077 and they will then issue them with a secret answer and password. They will then be able to continue with their online application.

When a student’s name is “Mc” or “O” – leave no space between the mc and the rest of the name – eg. McBride and use O’ with no space either, eg. O’Doherty – if you are on the system previously under the correct version and do it wrong now it will give a new customer reference number.

Parents or partners can also register online separately by creating an online account. Once registered, you can click on a link to ‘support a student’s application’.

A link to student finance NI website is below – the website has a lot of useful information to help with the application process. When the pupil fully completes their application online and submits it, they should then print off a cover sheet which gives their customer reference number on it.

If any pupil is having difficulty with the online process and would prefer to complete a paper form these can be requested from the Student Finance office (02882 411499) or downloaded from the Student FinanceNi website. Any paper forms can be posted independently to the Student Finance office in Omagh.