Access to Learning Fund

The Access to Learning Fund, provided by government and managed centrally in the University, offers financial assistance to students on low incomes or to other vulnerable students who may need extra financial support in order to access and remain in Higher Education. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but early application is recommended.

The Fund is principally for 'Home' students, but some other categories of student (refugees, persons granted exceptional leave to enter or remain, migrant workers and certain EU students) are also eligible. Priority groups include students with children (especially lone parents), students with disabilities, mature undergraduates, students entering HE from care or who are homeless, students from low income families, students receiving the final year loan rate who are in financial difficulty, and self-funding postgraduates.

For other students the Fund is sometimes able to provide emergency financial support for unexpected financial crises, where costs are not already being met from statutory or other sources of funding. The Fund is usually able to cover only part of an applicant's additional needs. Awards (which are generally non-repayable) range from £100 to a maximum of £3,500.

Applications

Application forms can be obtained from the Tutorial Office. For UK students, a copy of the Student Finance Financial Notification Form must be submitted along with the application form to the student's Tutor.