The Student Loans Company (SLC) is a non-profit government-owned organization established in 1989. Its primary purpose is to provide financial support to students in universities, colleges, and training organizations in the UK. SLC administers and distributes loans and grants on behalf of the UK government to assist UK/EU students in further and higher education.
The SLC offers two main types of financial support:
- Further Education: The 19+ Advanced Learning Loan is available to individuals aged 19 and above who wish to pursue further education courses, such as vocational qualifications or apprenticeships.
- Higher Education: Student Finance England provides funding options for individuals pursuing higher education, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and grants. The specific amount of support offered depends on the student’s personal circumstances, such as household income, residency status, and course type.
By delivering timely and accurate payments, the SLC plays a vital role in supporting both the Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) sectors. They ensure that maintenance grants and loans are paid to learners and that tuition fee loans are paid to HE and FE providers.
It’s important for students considering further or higher education in the UK to familiarize themselves with the specific eligibility criteria and application processes set forth by the Student Loans Company and Student Finance England to determine the financial assistance they may be eligible for.