Hardship Assistance Fund

This fund provides discretionary financial assistance to help you to access and remain in higher education

 
 
 
The Hardship Assistance Fund, formerly known as the Financial Support Fund, is here to help if you are a home student struggling with money during your studies.
This fund provides discretionary financial assistance to help you with essential living costs and unexpected financial crises when your income doesn’t cover what you need.
The fund can help to alleviate unexpected financial hardship for home students. We particularly encourage students who may be considering leaving higher education because of financial problems to apply.
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Students studying at Partner Colleges including UPIC and students on Degree Apprenticeships or a distance learning course are not eligible for the Hardship Assistance Fund. The University’s Academic Partnerships have their own allocations, so students should apply directly to the college they attend.
 
 
 

Application dates

  • &

    27 October 2025 – 16 January 2026

  • &

    16 February 2026 – 11 May 2026

Application guidance

You can apply only once each academic year.
To apply, you must:
  • be fully registered on your course
  • have received your full means-tested student funding (like your student loan/grant).
For more details about who can apply, what you’ll need, and common questions; view and download the Hardship Assistance Fund guidance notes . 

How to apply 

Visit the Student Services Hub in the Charles Seale-Hayne Library. Find us with what3words = Student Hub entrance: shack.mime.puff
A Hub Advisor will check if you're eligible. If you meet the criteria, they’ll send you a link to the application form.
View more details about the Student Services Hub .
Prepare your submission
When you apply, you’ll need to upload some documents – including 3 months of recent bank statements. Need help with this? Read our guide: 'How to submit correct bank statements' .
Looking for more help or advice? Visit our support and advice pages .