Student finance on the move for Welsh students

Minister for Education and Skills Huw Lewis has formally appointed the Student Loans Company (SLC) to deliver student finance arrangements in Wales from 2014.

Current student finance Wales website

The new modernised Student Finance Wales service will operate from Llandudno Junction, employing around 130 members of staff.

The Student Loans Company will provide the end-to-end student finance service for learners in Wales by the 2015/16 academic year, following a phased implementation. They currently administer the student finance for over one million customers in England.

Huw Lewis said:

“There are many benefits of a modernised Student Finance Wales to learners. The new service run by the SLC will provide an improved customer service, reduced processing times, greater consistency, co ordinated information advice and guidance, an improved on line service for applicants and access to a fully bilingual service.

“Students in Wales deserve the best possible, quick and effective service when applying for student support and I’m pleased that the SLC has now taken over this important role.”

David Wallace, Deputy CEO of the Student Loans Company, said:

“We are delighted to have been entrusted by the Welsh Government to deliver this very important aspect of Higher Education policy.  We have been working closely with the Welsh Government, students and universities in Wales over the past year in planning and delivery of a modernised and improved student finance service.

“Initially, for academic year 2014/15 we will be assessing new students and will also take on applications from returning students from 2015/16.

“We look forward to implementing our plans and to delivering the best possible service to students in Wales.”

The decision to give the SLC responsibility for delivering student finance in Wales follows a review in 2009 which identified a need to change the way the service was provided by the 22 local authorities in Wales.