HMRC rolls out student finance change and warns people to 'start now'

HMRC has made a major student finance change that will impact thousands of young people. HMRC is telling students to 'apply now' for next year's finance ahead of the new academic year starting in September, where thousands will flock to unis nationwide.

HMRC says undergrads they can speed up the student loan application process 'quickly and easily' by downloading their app. The HMRC app can help the thousands of students who spend hours on helplines trying to find the information they need to get funding for their degree.

Rather than phoning up HMRC to find their NI number, prospective students are being told to simply download the app. Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Director General for Change Delivery, said: "Getting your NI number is simple with a tap of HMRC’s app and young people should take advantage of it.

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"Download the HMRC app today straight from your phone’s app store to get all the info you need quickly and easily." To find your NI number, prospective students have to download the app and register an account. From there they should be able to see all of their details, including the number they need to start their funding application.

You may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs, HMRC says on its website. You might get extra money on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children.

You may be able to get student finance even if you’re not from the UK. Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: "Downloading details from the HMRC app will speed up the process of applying for a student loan.

"Preparing for higher education can be a time-consuming process for sixth form students so we are pleased this will help to reduce the administrative burden on young people."