The Welsh Assembly government provides discretionary funds to help if you:

• Have specific high additional costs, not covered by other funding
• Have an unexpected financial crisis
• Are at risk of dropping out due to financial problems
• Have budgeted badly and need a hand getting back on track financially.

The fund is able to give non repayable grants BUT you are expected to explore other means of support e.g.

• Part-time or vacation work
• Parental contribution to maintenance as assessed by Student Finance
• Applying careful budgeting
• Arranging a loan or increased overdraft and using savings.

Priority is given to those with children, priority debts, a disability, care leavers, or final year students.

FCF is open to full and part-time (minimum 50% of full time) undergraduate and postgraduate Home students only. Undergraduate students must have taken out the maximum student loan and receive appropriate parental contribution. Postgraduates must have arranged funding to cover fees and basic living costs before they can apply.

Completed application forms should be submitted in person with all the supporting evidence.  After your form has been checked it will be necessary for you to make an appointment to see the Student Finance Adviser who will then discuss your claim in detail before the Committee considers it. This normally takes about 15-20 minutes.

Your form will be assessed and if you provide all the required information, you will receive a reply within 15 working days. Awards are paid into your account.

In the assessment we will deduct from your total annual income (including savings) set figures for reasonable expenditure.

If you are not satisfied with the decision, please contact us for information at the Welcome Centre.

• FCF cannot be awarded to pay tuition fees.
• FCF cannot compensate for assessed parental contribution that is not paid, this will normally be included as income in your assessment.