Doctoral Loan
How to apply
You can apply now for courses that start or started in the following academic years:
- 2025 to 2026
- 2024 to 2025
Check whether you’re eligible before you apply.
You only need to apply once for the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, even if your course is longer than one year. Student Finance England will contact you before the next year of your course starts to tell you how much you’ll get.
You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance if you’re studying a doctoral course.
Apply online
If you’ve taken out a loan with Student Finance England before, use your account to apply.
If you do not already have one, set up an account.
Apply by post
If you cannot apply online, apply by post – the address is on the form.
Courses that start in the 2025 to 2026 academic year
Fill in the ‘Postgraduate Doctoral Loan application form - 2025 to 2026’
Read the terms and conditions for 2025 to 2026.
Courses that started in the 2024 to 2025 academic year
Fill in the ‘Postgraduate Doctoral Loan application form - 2024 to 2025’
Read the terms and conditions for 2024 to 2025.
Courses that started before 1 August 2024
Contact Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team if you cannot apply online.
Read the student finance privacy notice to find out how the information you provide will be used.
When to apply by
The deadline for applying depends on when you start your course.
You need to apply within 9 months of the first day of the last academic year of the course.
The academic year
The academic year is a period of 12 months.
| Course start date between | First day of academic year |
|---|---|
| 1 August and 31 December | 1 September |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 January |
| 1 April and 30 June | 1 April |
| 1 July and 31 July | 1 July |
Example
If your course started on 17 October 2023 and you’re studying for 3 years, you need to apply before 31 May 2026.
Proof of identity
If you’re a UK national, include your valid UK passport details in your application. If you cannot apply online or need to send the details afterwards, fill in the passport details form for the year your course starts. Do not send the passport itself.
If you do not have a UK passport (or it has expired), send your original birth or adoption certificate to Student Finance England.
Include your name and address. You should also include your customer reference number if you have one. This is an 11-digit number. You can find it on letters or emails you’ve had from Student Finance England.
Courses that start in the 2025 to 2026 academic year
Fill in the ‘UK passport details form - 2025 to 2026’
Courses that started in the 2024 to 2025 academic year
Fill in the ‘UK passport details form - 2024 to 2025’
If you have a different nationality or you live outside the UK
You need to provide details from one of the following when you apply:
-
passport
-
national identity card
-
biometric residence card
-
biometric residence permit
Supporting information
You should use the evidence return form for extra information to support your application, for example evidence of your residency status.
You may also be asked to complete the UK employment status form.
Courses that start in the 2025 to 2026 academic year
Fill in the ‘Document return form - 2025 to 2026’
Fill in the ‘UK employment form - 2025 to 2026’
Courses that started in the 2024 to 2025 academic year
Fill in the ‘Document return form - 2024 to 2025’
Fill in the ‘UK employment form - 2024 to 2025’
Change an application
Use your online account to change your personal details, for example bank or contact details. Contact Student Finance England directly if you do not have an account.
Change the amount you’ve asked for
Use the loan request form to change the amount you’ve applied for - you cannot do this online.
Courses that start in the 2025 to 2026 academic year:
Fill in the ‘Loan request form - 2025 to 2026’
Courses that started in the 2024 to 2025 academic year:
Fill in the ‘Loan request form - 2024 to 2025’
Other changes
Use the change of circumstances form if you need to change any other details, for example your university or course. You cannot do this online.
Courses that start in the 2025 to 2026 academic year:
Fill in the ‘Change of circumstances form - 2025 to 2026’
Courses that started in the 2024 to 2025 academic year:
Fill in the ‘Change of circumstances form - 2024 to 2025’
Taking a break or withdrawing from your course
Contact Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team and your institution straight away if you need to withdraw from your course. It may affect your future payments and eligibility for funding.