•    when you reach 65 (loans taken out before September 2006)
•    after 25 years (student loans taken out for the first time in September 2006 or later, even if you are already on a course)
The interests on student loans are accrued from the date they are paid.
In case the circumstances change you have to inform your local authority and Student Finance Direct.

Help for part-time students:
So if you are a new or a continuing part-time student you can also apply for financial help. The amount is linked with student’s personal circumstances and the type of course he/she does.

There are two types of non-repayable grant:
•    fee grant (to cover tuition fees)
•    course grant (to cover study costs such as books, materials and travel)
Except these grants some more options are available for part-time students:

•    Access to Learning Fund – you can get additional help for such things as books, childcare and equipment from the Access to Learning Fund. You apply for this help through your college or university.
•    Additional Fee Support Scheme – When the fee grant is not enough for a part-time student to cover her/his fee you can apply for additional help through the Additional Fee Support Scheme. The student support office at your institution can provide more detailed information.
Fee and course grants:
If you would like to obtain the fee grant and course grant, your course must last minimum one year and shouldn’t exceed the period equivalent full-time course.
At the beginning of each academic year you should apply for the grants again.
The amount of the grant depends on your household income and whether you have an adult dependant or children.
This help is non-repayable.

Fee grant
Period that takes you to complete your course will determine the maximum amount of fee grant.
Course grant
You can apply for the same maximum amount of course grant no matter what.
Applying for help:
The factors that determine your applying for help:
•    Studying full time – As soon as you apply for your course you need to fill the application for student government loans and other financial help.
Not to have a delay in receiving your money student shouldn’t wait for place confirmation just he/she just need to specify the name the course he/she is most likely to attend.
The students must inform the local authority in case the course details change after applying.
•    Studying part time – The process of applying for fee and course grant will repeat for part-time students at the beginning of academic year.
Just complete the application form for part-time student finance (PTG1) and take it to your institution at the beginning of course.
After two weeks of course, the form is completed by the college administration office where it is confirmed:
a) that you are a student there
b) how intensive your course is
c) the amount of the course fees
After completion of the form it is sent to local authority.

•    Taking a teacher training, social work, healthcare or Open University course.