University support for Undergraduates
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for a Bursary?
Eligibility for household income thresholds for the University Bursary can be found
at the
University Support Bursary Page.
You must have been financially assessed (means-tested) for support and awards are dependant
on household income levels.
You will automatically be assessed for a bursary by the University once
we receive your household income data from the Student Loans Company
- you do not need to apply separately.
How much bursary will I get?
If you know your residual household income, or the amount of Maintenance
Grant you are receiving then you can work out how much Bursary you should
receive from the
University Support Bursary Page.
Who works out whether my household income will entitle me to a Bursary?
When you applied for your Student Loan you and your sponsors were asked to
share your household income data with the University of Essex. If you or any
of your sponsors opted out of this we will be unable to process your bursary
until you or they have opted back in.
To do this the person/people who have opted out should contact the
Student Loans Company on 0845 603 4016 as soon as possible and give consent
for their income data to be shared with the University.
The Student Loans Company will electronically calculate your Bursary
using the rules outlined on the main bursary web pages, and will inform us
so that we can authorise them to make your payment to you.
If you or your sponsors are late in giving consent then your bursary
payments may be delayed.
How do I know if I have been assessed for a bursary?
Most students will receive a Notice of Entitlement letterduring the
Autumn term. This letter details
how much your bursary will be and when it will be paid into your bank
account.
I think I am eligible but I haven't had a payment. What should I do?
If you have not received your entitlement letter by the end of the Autumn
term
and think you should have,
contact Student Support who will be able to investigate why payment has
not been made. It would be helpful if you could bring in a copy of your
Financial Notification which shows details of your Maintenance Grant.
I think I'm eligible but I haven't heard anything....
If you believe you are entitled to a bursary then you should receive the first instalment into your
bank account at the end of February. It will show on your bank
statement as 'HEI Bursary Payment'.