Hardship Fund

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Hardship Fund, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Household income
  • you have a low household income (up to £35,000) OR
  • you are suffering unexpected financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the challenges to students and their families due to COVID-19, we will consider applications from students whose household income is greater than £35,000

• you are a fully registered UK, EU or international undergraduate or postgraduate student studying at the University of Essex for academic year 2020-21
• you are studying a full-time course or substantial part time course (at least 50% of full-time equivalent)
• you had previously made adequate provision to cover all of your fees and living costs, but are now in demonstrable need or financial support as a result of unexpected exceptional changes in financial circumstances
• if you are requesting support for childcare, your child/children must be aged 11 years or younger and you may apply for a maximum of up to three children

Full details

Please read the full terms and conditions carefully before applying.

2020-21 entry

• Hardship Fund terms and conditions 2020-21

How to apply

All funding applications from 2020-21 must be submitted via Blackbullion, please see instructions below:

1. Create an account with Blackbullion using your Essex email account or login if you already have an account. (Note: Make sure you select the ‘University student’ option, rather than ‘applicant’ when you register) Don’t worry if your course is not listed on the application form. You can still register and apply without selecting a course
2. Click the ‘Funds’ tab and select ‘UoE Hardship Fund 2020-21’ button
3. Read the guidance and follow the instructions to complete the online application form and submit all the required evidence as outlined on the guidance document
4. Submit your application and evidence

Other Support

The University and other external organisations offer financial support to get you through your studies, check out other ways of funding your University for current students at the links below:

• If you are in need of urgent financial assistance, you can apply for a Hardship Fund Loan offered by the Student’s Union. They also provide advice on financial support (including students at risk of homelessness).
• You might want to check if you’re eligible for a scholarship/bursary or other financial support.

UoE offers a range of additional welfare support and guidance.