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Funding for Clearing students

Last updated: 10/07/2025 15:24

How to update your application, manage delays, and get support so your finances are ready for the start of term.

Choose the section that applies to you:

If you're unsure which applies to you, or need help with your application, our Funding and Advice team is here to support you.

Funded via Student Finance (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland)

If you’ve already applied for Student Finance but have changed your course or university through Clearing, you’ll need to update your application as soon as possible.

If you don’t update your course and university details, your funding can’t be paid to you.

Who to contact

You must inform the Student Finance body you originally applied to:

How to update your details

The quickest way to update your details is by logging into your Student Finance account before 1 September and selecting ‘Change your application’. Please note it can take up to 20 working days for Student Finance to process the change.

After 1 September, you won’t be able to make the change yourself. We will need to submit a 'Change of Circumstances' on your behalf.

To request this, email studentconnect@cardiff.ac.uk with the subject line: SFA Change of Circumstance. Include the following in your email:

  • your full name
  • Cardiff University student number
  • your Student Finance Student Support Number (SSN)

This is not your customer reference number. Your SSN appears on your Student Finance Entitlement letter and looks like: SFDU12345678Z or SFWU12345678Z.

If you can’t find your SSN, contact Student Finance directly they’ll be able to provide it.

Managing funding delays

We can’t confirm any changes to your course or university until after you’ve enrolled. Once submitted, it may take at least 20 working days for Student Finance to process the update - sometimes longer during busy periods.

If you haven’t updated your application before 1 September, expect a delay in:

  • receiving your first funding payment
  • confirmation of your tuition fee funding

Tip: Bring some money with you to cover your living costs during the first few weeks of term.

Tuition fees and accommodation

You'll have 30 days after enrolment to have your tuition fees confirmed to the university - no payment is expected during this time.

If you’re moving into university accommodation and haven’t received your first funding instalment by the payment deadline, contact Residences to request an extension.

If you have any financial concerns or need support, contact the Funding and Advice team.

If you haven't applied for funding yet

If you haven’t applied for student finance but will need it to fund your studies, it’s important to apply as soon as possible.

You’ll need to apply to the funding body that covers the country where you were ordinarily resident before starting your course:

It can take up to 6 weeks for your application to be processed once all required information is received so the sooner you apply, the better.

Even if your funding isn’t in place by the start of your course, Student Finance will aim to pay you as close to your start date as possible.

You’ll still receive your full funding entitlement for the year, even if your first payment is delayed just make sure you apply within 9 months of the academic year starting (1 September).

Funded via NHS Wales Bursary scheme

If you’ve secured a place on a healthcare course in the School of Healthcare Sciences or on the Dental Therapy and Hygiene course, you have two funding options:

You’ll need to register your chosen funding route with the NHS Wales Student Awards Service within 10 weeks of your course start date.

Find more information about the different funding packages.

Managing funding delays

Funding applications or changes to your funding provider can take at least 6 weeks to process during busy periods. The earlier you apply or make changes, the sooner your funding will be confirmed and paid after enrolment. You’ll have 30 days after enrolment to have your tuition fees confirmed - no payment is expected during this time.

If you’re moving into university accommodation and haven’t received your first funding instalment by the payment deadline, contact Residences to request an extension.

Get personalised advice

Whether you’ve applied for funding or not, our Funding and Advice team is here to support you:

  • if you’ve already applied, we can check your application and let you know when you’re likely to receive payment
  • if you’ve not yet applied, we can guide you through the available options and how to apply

Contact us

If you have any questions about Student Finance or funding, contact:

Student Funding and Advice team

If you have any questions about university accommodation contact:

Residences Office