How to apply for the Hardship Fund

An application can be made to the Hardship Fund each academic year. All enrolled Loughborough University students can apply e.g. UK, EU and international students studying further education, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses. Students on a leave of absence are also eligible.

The Hardship Fund cannot be applied for in advance of your enrolment. You are expected to have planned ahead to have adequate financial provision in place for your studies. You should have secured / saved enough money to cover all your reasonable costs whilst studying and an expected income assessment is part of the Hardship Fund assessment process.

If you are a UK student and have not applied for your full entitlement of loans/grants, you will not be eligible for an award. Undergraduate students living independently over the summer and seeking help during the Summer vacation (mid-June to September) must apply to the Summer Scheme Hardship Fund. It is expected that students will attempt to find paid work or other means of supporting themselves over the summer.

An award from this fund is not automatic and awards are granted according to individual circumstances. Students need to make a full application with the supporting documentation requested on the form. Please note that as part of the decision-making process, you might be asked to provide additional evidence to support your application.

If you wish to make an application you can download the application form and supporting documents under the ‘More Resources’ section of this page.

You should ensure you complete the form as fully as possible and collate all the necessary supporting evidence as a PDF. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications must be submitted by email to HFapplications@lboro.ac.uk.

Completed applications will be assessed, and a decision usually communicated within 28 days. A maximum of £2,500 can be received in any one academic year, but this depends on individual circumstances.

If your application is successful, payments will be made to the bank account details held on the University’s records. Awards in excess of £1,000 will normally be paid in instalments. If you have any outstanding Emergency Hardship Loans, it is usual to deduct the loan from any award you received from the Fund.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can seek advice as to your possible next steps.

If your circumstances have changed since you submitted your application within the same academic year, you can re-apply using a shortened application form (below) setting out the changes and providing relevant evidence.

Please note that if you have already received £2,500, you will not be eligible for anything further.

Applications must be submitted by email to HFapplications@lboro.ac.uk.             

The change of circumstances application will be reviewed and there will be a fresh decision based on your original application and the new information you have provided.   

It is recommended that you discuss your Change of Circumstances application with a Student Advice and Support Service adviser before re-applying. Please note that as part of the decision-making process, you might be asked to provide additional evidence to support your application.

Change of Circumstance form is below under the ‘More Resources’ section of this page.

We strongly recommend that you contact the Student Advice and Support Service (SASS) for feedback on your draft form and supporting documentation prior to formal submission.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can also seek advice from SASS as to your possible next steps.

You can book an appointment to do this by phoning +44 (0) 1509 222765 or requesting an appointment online.

The Hardship Fund Summer Scheme is intended to help undergraduate students who face financial difficulties during the summer vacation. Please click the tile below for further information about Summer Scheme applications.

Last Updated: 18th April 2024