Students FAQs

• While I am working as a student how can I tell whether I'm employed or self-employed?
• How do I apply for a student loan

Q. While I am working as a student how can I tell whether I'm employed or self-employed?

A. There's no simple answer to this question, which is about your employment status.

Status is complex but most students get jobs as employees, working for someone rather than working for themselves. Some students genuinely work for themselves but it is always wise to check that your status really is self-employed.

Take a look at our Starting Up in Business site where you will find help with checking your employment status.

Q. How do I apply for a student loan

A. HM Revenue & Customs is only responsible for the collection of student loans and not for any other aspect of their administration.

Information about applying for Student Finance

If you normally live in:

• England – see the Student Finance Direct website
• Scotland – see the Student Awards Agency for Scotland website
• Northern Ireland – see the Student Finance Northern Ireland website
• Wales - see the Student Finance Wales website

If you have you now finished your course of study and would like more details on how and when you will repay your loan(s):

Did you start higher education on or after 1 September 1998? - see Directgov - Repaying student loans (courses starting from 1998)

Did you start higher education before September 1998? - see Directgov - Repaying student loans (courses starting before 1998).