We’re here to help you. Apply to the Hardship Fund now

When you first decided to study at Essex ‘finances’ were no doubt a hot topic for discussion; you probably counted your pennies, applied for student finance, looked for student jobs, or maybe borrowed from friends and family to make the most of student living.

It comes with the territory of being a student that you might become a little short on money but throwing a global pandemic into the mix can make it even trickier to stay financially afloat with added money worries which in turn can have a negative impact on your studies.

That is why it’s helpful to know the University of Essex has a Hardship Fund which can support you if you are experiencing unexpected or unforeseen financial difficulty. There are lots of benefits to applying for the Hardship Fund and we’re making the application process as simple as possible.

Apply for a living cost grant

You could receive a grant of up to £1,500, enabling you to continue your studies at Essex.

You don’t need to pay this money back. Unlike other financial support options that offer loans, this fund is designed for you to keep.

What can you use it for?

• Living costs – to assist with core living costs
• Residential costs – to assist with the cost of rent/accommodation
• Equipment/digital support – to purchase study equipment or support an internet contract
• Childcare costs – provides additional financial support towards childcare costs

More funding now available

The University of Essex recently received additional funding from the UK Government for the Hardship Fund specifically to help students who have been impacted financially by COVID-19.

We’re encouraging all eligible students to apply. You will be eligible if you are a fully registered UK, EU or international undergraduate or postgraduate student studying at Essex for the current 2020-21 academic year and are studying a full-time course or substantial part-time course (at least 50% of a full-time equivalent) you can apply.

Making it easy for you to apply for funding

It is easier than ever to apply via Blackbullion. In response to COVID-19, we’ve made sure the process is as simple as possible.

Check the eligibility criteria and apply.

Please read the guidance carefully and don’t forget to upload evidence with your application.

Other support for you

The University of Essex also provides other financial support and lots of money management information to students in different circumstances that you may find useful.

Have a question? Then head to the Student Services Hub where a member of the team can provide additional information.