Guidance

Higher Education Short Course Loans

Information for students on funding for Higher Education Short Course Loans (HESC) for those living in England.

Applies to England

Applications for HE Short Course Loans closed on 31 August 2025.

If you have applied for a course that started before 31 August 2025 you can still make changes.

If you started your course on or after 1 September 2024

To change your loan amount. Download the ‘HESC Loan Request Form’

If you started your course before 1 September 2024

To change your loan amount. Download the ‘HESC Loan Request Form’

Contact

Telephone

Telephone: 0300 100 0085
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays

Find out about call charges

If you have a customer reference number, have it with you when you call.

Address

HE Short Courses
PO Box 5610
Glasgow
G52 9DH

Updates to this page

Published 25 April 2022
Last updated 26 September 2025 show all updates
  1. Guidance removed due to service closure to new applicants on 31 August 2025.

  2. Timescales guidance has been updated

  3. Updated for new academic year.

  4. Split out sections for students who started on or after 1 September 2023 and those who started before 1 September 2023 as different forms are available.

  5. Added guidance for Study Support Bursary for those taking part in the HESC trial.

  6. Updated guidance to provide clear guidance around course eligibility. The course and provider must be taking part in the Higher Education Short Course (HESC) trial.

  7. Updated guidance page as applications for Higher Education Short Course Loans are now open as of 27 June 2022.

  8. Added guidance for previous study and current qualifications held under eligibility section

  9. First published.

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