THE Student Loans Company is reminding new full-time undergraduate students in England that they have just over two weeks left to apply for student finance before the May 21 deadline.

And returning students have to have their applications in by June 25.

Applying before the deadline is the best way for students to ensure they have their finances in place for the start of the academic year.

New students can apply now even if they are unsure which course they will study, or what university they will be attending.

The SLC's executive director of operations, Derek Ross, said: “So far this year, we have already experienced a significant increase in students applying for finance.

“Applications have increased by more than 10 per cent year-on-year and we are anticipating that this will be the busiest academic year ever.

“We are urging students to get their applications in before the upcoming deadlines.

"By doing so they can be confident that they will have their student finance in place before their studies begin in the Autumn."

Apply at studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk.