Is Student Finance Open on Bank Holidays?
As a student depending on Student Finance to pay your rent, buy groceries, or have fun, you’ll need to know exactly when you can apply for it and when your payments are likely to come in. You’ll also want to be aware of what help is available, especially if things go wrong on bank holidays.
Today, we’re going to break it all down for you and give you the low-down on whether student finance is open on bank holidays or not.
The Quick Answer: No, Student Finance is Not Open on Bank Holidays
Student Finance England (SFE) follows the standard UK public holiday closure calendar, meaning they are not open on any official UK bank holiday date. This means:
- SFE Offices are closed on bank holidays
- Customer service helplines will be unavailable
- Payments may be delayed
This all implies that if you have any deadlines, questions, or are in need of support, it’s a good idea to sort things ahead of the bank holiday.
When Are UK Bank Holidays?
As a student, there are a number of bank holiday dates to be aware of each year. The UK Government have created a helpful web page that details each of the dates and tells you which one is up next so you should never be caught unaware.
Top tip: Bank Holiday dates vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland so, make sure to check you’re looking at the right country!
What if Your Student Finance is Late?
We know that waiting for a late payment can be a stressful time, but here’s what you can do to try and get things sorted:
- Check your payment status by logging into Student Finance online.
- Talk to your university money advice team.
- Contact your bank if you believe the delay may be on their end.
- Prepare in advance: Budget delays are most common in May and December.
FAQ’s
Is Student Finance open on weekends?
No. Like most government departments, Student Finance England’s contactable hours are Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm (excluding public holidays).
Will I still get my maintenance loan on a bank holiday?
Probably not. If your next scheduled payment falls on a bank holiday, it will usually be processed the next working day.
What about Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Each devolved government has its own student finance body:
- Scotland: SAAS
- Wales: Student Finance Wales
- Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI
Most follow the same opening and closure pattern, but check their respective websites for more information.
Advice for International Students
International students should keep in mind that UK Bank Holiday dates may not align to those in your home country. This can sometimes impact international bank transfers and currency exchanges. The best way to avoid any issues is to avoid doing any financial business on bank holidays.
Final Thoughts
Student Finance may be closed on bank holidays – however, this doesn’t mean you’re on you’re own. Some clever planning goes a long way, and can make a huge difference in when your payments arrive.
Timing your application right or budgeting ahead for any potentially late payments are vital to help you stay in control of your finances as a student.
If you need any further help with saving tips or discounts to help get you through term, take a read through some of our other articles in our money and budgeting section.
Above all else – enjoy your bank holiday!