Newham's student finance team expect to receive more than 3,600 new applications from residents starting courses in September. For the past four years the number of Newham residents applying for higher education has increased year on year by an average of 300 applicants, up from 2,234 in 2003, to 3,454 in 2007.

Students may be entitled to a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan to cover living expenses and for those from low income households a standard non-repayable grant may be available. Applications must be submitted by June 27.

Further funding is available for students who have learning difficulties and there are also non-repayable grants for students with dependants and those with children.

Dates for Local Service Centre sessions can be found at: studentloans
section of our website.

Students can also visit the studentfinancedirect website or call the National Helpline on 0800 731 9133 for further information.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales said: "It's great to see Newham's ambitious residents being equipped with all the help possible in starting their journey into higher education. Our expert team have their hands full at this time of year and this innovative scheme will guarantee that forms are completed accurately and efficiently making the best use of resources."

Track 12 participant, Ayesha Khanom who will be starting university in September said: "It's a confusing time applying for university let alone thinking about the financial side of things. It's great to be able to sit down with the experts to discuss the options available and to ensure that I am completing the forms correctly."