University Hardship Fund

The University Hardship Fund UHF can provide financial help to either full-time or part-time students who successfully demonstrate financial hardship during their studies, according to the eligibility criteria of the fund.

For full-time students help can be given for:

higher than expected costs
unexpected costs (through an unforeseen change in circumstances perhaps) or serious financial problems for other reasons

For full-time applicants, awards are made on an 'additional need' basis using an assessment process common to all applicants. Any award that a successful applicant receives will be paid in the form of a grant, NOT a loan, which means that it does not have to be paid back to the University.

For part-time students help can be given for:

course related costs (this is a contribution only)

Any award that a successful applicant receives will be paid in the form of a grant, NOT a loan, which means that it does not have to be paid back to the University.

Can I apply?

Only 'Home' students can apply to the Fund, i.e. those students who satisfy the residency criteria to receive Student Support (loans and grants) from Student Finance (SF).

You can apply to the Fund whether you are studying either an undergraduate or postgraduate course and either full-time or part-time. Priority groups of students are:

students with children
students receiving the final year rate of loan
students unable to work due to illness or disability

When and How can I apply?

You can make one application to the fund per academic year. You must be registered and in attendance for the academic you are applying to and have applied for maximum statutory support available to you.

Should you experience further financial hardship during the academic year following submisson of an application form or your situation changes you are advised to make an appointment with our Student Financial Guidance service to discuss your situation. Telephone: 0191 5152933 or Email: studentfinancialguidance@sunderland.ac.uk

Application forms are available to download here:

UHF Application Form FT students & Updated UHF FT Guidance Notes 2019

UHF PART TIME APPLICATION

Forms are also available from Student Support Services at the address below.

University of Sunderland
Student Support Services
1st Floor, Edinburgh Building
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD

Tel: 0191 5152946/2090/2933
email: studentsupportfund@sunderland.ac.uk

or from

University of Sunderland in London
97 Marsh Wall
Isle of Dogs
London
E14 9SG

Tel: 020 7531 7333
email: gateway-london@sunderland.ac.uk

UHF Appeals Process

Please note: Appeals will only be accepted in cases where the maximum award has not been paid. Please refer to your letter.

If you wish to appeal you must do so in writing only, within 10 working days of the date of the University’s email. Your appeals letter should identify additional grounds for financial assistance to those made in your original application and supported by documentary evidence where possible. You will need to supply an up-to-date bank statement for all accounts held (or an online bank statement) for both you and your partner (if applicable) and provide evidence of your bank overdraft limit.

Please address your appeals letter to:

University of Sunderland, Hardship Fund Appeals Panel, Student Support Fund,

1^st Floor Edinburgh Building, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD

Alternatively you can email your appeal to: studentsupportfund@sunderland.ac.uk.

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