International Hardship Fund
Introduction
The International Hardship Fund has been set up to provide emergency financial assistance to international students, who find themselves in unexpected financial difficulty, as a result of a significant or unexpected event that could not have been predicted.
Students seeking help must demonstrate that they had made adequate arrangements to support themselves and pay their tuition and accommodation fees before they came to University, and that these arrangements have been affected by unforeseen circumstances, or events beyond their control.
Applications meriting support might include occasions where a sponsor was suddenly unable to provide support, or where a student unexpectedly and urgently needed to return home for family reasons. Students will not be able to apply for support on the grounds that their national currency has depreciated, since this will affect all students from this country. Students who find themselves in financial hardship due to mismanagement of their finances are also ineligible for support.
The International Hardship Fund has been set up with funds donated by alumni and friends of the University to support students at Bristol.
Who can apply?
Eligible students must be:
- registered with the University of Bristol
- be classed as an EU or international student
- be a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student
- have started their programme of study with sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs
- have exhausted all other sources of funding.
How can you apply?
Students will need to complete and return an application form to the Student Funding Office, together with photocopies of relevant documentation. Students who live with a partner, will also need to provide their partner’s financial details. Incomplete applications will delay the assessment of an application.
Students can apply at any time throughout the academic year, but funds are limited and we cannot guarantee that there will be sufficient funds to meet every application we receive. Awards may be in the form of a grant or loan, whichever is deemed appropriate by the panel.
How are applications assessed?
Applications will be considered on an individual basis, by a panel consisting of members of the Student Funding Office and the International Students' Advisory Service.
Students will receive a notification letter explaining the outcome of their application as soon as possible or within two weeks of submitting their application.
Who do you need to contact?
Students should contact Sally Addison with any queries or questions regarding the International Hardship Fund.