The University Hardship Fund 2020/21 is open for applications.
Students are reminded that the fund is available to both UK and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level to support you if you are in financial hardship.
The fund includes the additional money being made available by the UK Government which was recently announced for students in financial distress.
Financial hardship can be an ongoing issue, or a one-off unexpected essential expenditure, and may include:
- Students who have suffered loss of employment
- Students unable to find employment to support their living costs
- Students struggling to pay rent (or those paying rent on two properties as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions)
- Students who do not have financial support from family
- Students struggling as a result of a change in family contributions
- Student parents who may be struggling with children at home
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you are struggling financially, whatever your circumstances, please put in an application.
Please also note that home students whose parents’ income has been affected by COVID-19 can apply to Student Finance England (SFE) to be reassessed.
Awards from the fund are normally made on a grant basis and are therefore non-repayable.
For further information and how to apply please see our webpage.
Additional support packages
We understand that some students may require additional support accessing a suitable device and technology to study this year. We currently have the following support schemes in place:
- Dongle scheme – if you have insufficient data/broadband speed to undertake academic work remotely you can apply for a mobile broadband “Mi-Fi” device, which will provide 4G access to the internet through a monthly data allowance. This scheme is open for all. Find out more and apply here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/money/donglescheme/
- Laptop loan scheme – this scheme is designed to address the needs of students in digital poverty and will provide laptops for successful applicants (please note postgraduate research students are not eligible for this scheme). Find out more and apply here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/money/laptoploans/
Further support
UK students with any money or funding queries or concerns can contact Money Advice and Guidance by emailing money@liverpool.ac.uk. We can offer appointments face-to-face via Microsoft Teams or we can advise by telephone or email.
Overseas students with any money or funding queries or concerns can contact International Advice and Guidance by emailing IAGteam@liverpool.ac.uk. We can offer appointments face-to face via Microsoft Teams or by email.