About the Financial Hardship Fund

Then you can apply for Financial Support - simply follow the steps provided below.

Steps to apply

1. About the fund
2. Documentary evidence required
3. Apply for the fund

The small print

• You must be a registered UK student undertaking an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught (studying at least 30 credits), or Postgraduate Research course at Ulster University. This includes sandwich courses, but excludes year out (those on a Leave of Absence for reasons other than medical or caring responsibilities)
• Full time students - you must have taken your full student maintenance loan and tuition fee loan, or provide evidence that you are not eligible (where applicable).
• Part time students - you must be studying at least 25% (30 credit points) of a full-time equivalent course and must have taken your full tuition fee grant and/or loan or provide evidence that you are not eligible (where applicable).
• You must show, with supporting documentation that you have made arrangements for payment of tuition fees (if not eligible for funding) and daily living costs.
• You must provide evidence that you have exhausted all other sources of income, for example, student overdraft, student loans, grants, bursaries, benefits, assistance from family, savings and part time earnings.
• Applications cannot be accepted from those showing evidence of gambling/betting (including lottery, bingo or competition sites) or excessive spending.
• We will only accept one application from you in the academic year (unless otherwise advertised).
• Students found to be fraudulently editing, falsifying or withholding evidence that would have a bearing on the outcome of their application, will have their application closed, and they will not be able to avail of support the remainder of that academic year.
• All students applying for financial support will be asked to complete a Mind your Money workshop. A digital workshop will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application. We want to empower our students with the knowledge and awareness to help you better manage your money, both during university and after you graduate.
• Applications are assessed based on a shortfall between income & expenditure, and any savings will be offset against credit balances, eg. student overdraft/credit card.
• Should it be determined that better money management would rectify the students financial situation, support will be provided and award will not be made.
• Not all those that apply may receive an award.
• If you receive an award, this will be a one-off payment made directly to your UK bank account (unless otherwise agreed)
• It is your responsibility to put measures in place to avoid the same situation occurring again. If you need further guidance on this, visit our Budgeting and Money Management pages, or contact our team to arrange an appointment with one of our team
• Please note: successful applicants should be advised that payments from the fund may have implications for your entitlement to social security benefits, please check with your social security office for more information

Please note: the fund cannot be used to meet the cost of tuition fees nor a student's lifestyle.