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

We understand the stress and worry if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Hardship support may be available to help you through a difficult period.

We have advisers who can help you.

What is the Hardship Fund?

The Hardship Fund (HF) is provided by the University as a safety net for students in unforeseen financial difficulty despite having received all financial support available to them. It is not a main source of support. The fund cannot help with tuition fee payments. You need only make one application in any academic year, unless you experience a further change of circumstances. Not all applications will be successful. The maximum award to each applicant is £2,500 for the year. Decisions are made by the Assistant Registrar.

What kind of awards can be made?

Any assistance is normally a non-repayable grant. Where appropriate a loan may be offered. Any awards are paid by bank transfer.

Assessment

Awards are assessed by calculating the difference between your expected provision (from income and/or capital) and standardised living costs to identify any shortfall. Successful applicants will receive either the amount requested or the calculated standard award, whichever is the lower, up to a maximum of £2,500.

In exceptional circumstances non-standard awards may be paid even though there may be no calculated shortfall. For example - emergency situations, emergency flights home, unexpected costs due to ill health. The amount of assistance is discretionary, up to a maximum of £2,500.

Emergency loans

Small short-term loans, available from the Student Advice and Support Service, may be available in emergencies. It is important that these loans are repaid by the agreed date.

Application procedure

Further information on eligibility criteria and application procedures for the Hardship Fund and Bursaries is available from Student Services (Tel 01509 222765).

The necessary forms can be obtained from the Student Advice and Support Service.

Get in touch with an advisor

Loughborough campus: visit the Bridgeman Building between Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, call 01509 222765, or email advice@lboro.ac.uk.

London campus: call 0203 805 1348 to make an appointment or email advice@lboro.ac.uk.