It contains key student support information on all UK based HEIs and the courses that they provide.

To ensure accuracy, the database is recreated on an annual basis and updated constantly.  HEIs must confirm existing course, term, fee, location and contact details to ensure their validity. Details of any new courses an HEI may be running should also be provided. All courses appearing on the HEI Course Database must be "designated courses"as  these are the only types of courses which attract public funding. Further details on course designation can be found within The Education Student Support Regulations 2011 

Course information can either be provided to SLC by the online Courses Service accessed through the HE Gateway or an HEI can provide their courses via web service technology.  By providing course information online, HEIs will benefit from improved speed, accuracy and ease of use of SLC's interfaces.  If an HEI has not yet requested access to the online Courses Service they should complete a User Access Form and send to the HEI Services Team.

All operational queries in relation to the Courses Service should be directed to the HEI Portal Services Team or by calling 0845 702 3316 and selecting option 4.

Further information on course designation can be found on the Designated Courses page of the Practitioner's Website.