Hardship Support Fund

The Hardship Support Fund is provided by Loughborough University as a safety net for postgraduate students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties despite having received all financial support available to them. It is available to all postgraduate students who experience unanticipated and serious financial difficulties. The fund cannot be applied for in advance of enrolment and cannot help with tuition fee payments. Students need only make one application in any academic year, unless they experience a further change of circumstances. Not all applications will be successful. Any assistance is normally provided as a non-repayable grant, though where appropriate a loan may be offered. Awards are assessed by calculating the difference between expected provision (from income and/or capital) and standardised living costs to identify any shortfall. Successful applicants will receive either the amount requested or the calculated standard award, whichever is lower, up to a maximum of £2,500 per year. In exceptional circumstances, non-standard awards may be paid for emergency situations such as emergency flights home or unexpected costs due to ill health. The fund is available to both UK and international students studying Master's and research degrees at either the Loughborough or London campus. Students are expected to have planned ahead to have adequate financial provision in place for their studies before enrolling. Advisers from the Student Advice and Support Service are available to help students experiencing financial difficulties.