The Student Hardship Fund

 

The Aberystwyth University Student Hardship Fund is a discretionary fund designed to support students who may be at risk of leaving university due to financial difficulty.

Who can apply

  • Open to Home and International students registered on a full-time course at Aberystwyth University.
  • Students are not eligible if studying on an External Resit, distance learning course, or YES Placement.

Making an application

  • Applications may be submitted in Welsh or English; responses will be in the language of application.
  • Complete the online application form. Please ensure you meet the fund criteria and all required evidence is uploaded (see below for more details).
  • You may be invited to a short, informal meeting with a Student Adviser.

Assessment and outcome

  • Applications are assessed by the Advice and Money Service.
  • Payments are made via Aspire Payments. Students will be contacted directly with instructions on how to access funds. You can also follow this guide on how withdraw your funds. Students can access help with any payment problems from Help and Support - Aspire.
  • If you have no money for food while waiting, contact the Advice and Money Team for possible emergency support.

What the fund can help with

  • Financial hardship caused by genuine, unforeseen, or unexpected circumstances.
  • A shortfall between income and essential living costs.
  • Short-term financial difficulties (e.g. delays in Student Finance payments).
  • If you will be in hardship as a result of paying for a Study Needs Report to apply for DSA the fund can award up to £450 towards the cost.

What the fund cannot help with

  • Lack of financial planning prior to starting university.
  • Students who are temporarily withdrawn or not currently registered. The exception to this rule is PhD Students in their ‘writing up’ period.
  • Research or fieldwork costs.
  • Repayment of personal debts.

Before you apply

If you have more than £100 available (including overdraft), your application will not be considered. You may reapply once your balance falls below this amount.

Available funds include student overdrafts. Expected overdraft limits are:

  • Year 1 – £500
  • Year 2 – £750
  • Year 3 – £1,000
  • Year 4/PG – £1,200

Supporting evidence required

  • Last 3 months of bank statements for all accounts.
  • Evidence of your current bank balance.
  • You may be requested to provide evidence of overdraft facility
  • Tenancy or licence agreement (not required for University accommodation).
  • Student Finance entitlement letter or alternative funding evidence.

Reapplications and appeals

  • Applications are normally limited to one per term.
  • Reapplications require a significant change in circumstances.
  • If unhappy with a decision, discuss it with a Student Adviser. Formal appeals may be made on grounds of new evidence or procedural error.