Twitter was abuzz with the word "deadline" last week in relation to student finance applications.
There were that many dates being tweeted our headz were in a spin!!
So here are 5 Deadline Money B's to help.....
Be the first to apply
We blogged this before and if you didn't listen - grr why not?!
Really, the earlier you apply for funding the better. This gives the funder time to process your application and you and your sponsors time to supply all the required evidence and time to challenge any decisions you may not satisfied with.
The funders use the deadline as a last day in their view that a completed application can reach them and still hope to be processed in time for the start of the academic year.
The truth is that some of these advertised deadlines are soft deadlines - by which we mean they are not the last day applications will be accepted. In fact applications can be accepted by up to 9 months or 6 months after the academic year begins (usually taken as 1st September for autumn starters). Always check these deadlines yourself with the applicable funder - Be safe not sorry
So don't worry just apply as soon as possible, but if the deadline has passed do be prepared for your funding to be late.
Be aware of the different funder deadlines
This table may help but always check the relevant funder websites and literature yourself.
Funder
|
New Students starting Autumn 2016
Application Deadline
|
Continuing Students in Autumn 2016
Application Deadline
|
|
27th
May 2016
|
24th
June 2016
|
|
15th
April 2016
|
30th
June 2016
|
|
13th
May 2016
|
10th
June 2016
|
|
30th
June 2016
|
30th
June 2016
|
|
30th
June 2016
|
30th
June 2016
|
For all the above
funders
|
(absolute deadline
9 months from the start of the
academic year)
|
|
19th
August 2016
(absolute deadline
6th months from
start of academic year)
|
Depends
|
|
29th
July 2016
(absolute deadline
6th months from start of academic
year)
|
Depends
|
|
1st
November 2016
(absolute deadline applications
received after this date are rejected)
|
1st
November 2016
(absolute deadline applications
received after this date are rejected)
|
Be ready to seek advice
Always seek advice if you are struggling in any way with your student finance application. Most Universities and colleges have advice services themselves and or Student Union Advice services. Don't be afraid to contact them for help pre-entry if you are finding the application process challenging and can not easily resolve the matter by contacting the funder yourself.
It's a good idea to become familiar with the higher education institution's website to know what support services they offer and where they are located and how to contact them when and if required.
Bursaries and other support
The university or college of your choice may have bursaries or scholarships for which you could apply pre-entry. If this is the case they will no doubt provide details on their websites or in their Office for Fair Access Agreements . It is likely that these also include application deadlines, so don't delay, check them out and apply if you think you may be eligible.