University of London Hardship Grant / School of Advanced Study Hardship Fund

What you get

You get a one-off cash grant of up to about 3,500 EUR (£3,000) if you hit unexpected financial trouble during your studies. It is a gift, not a loan, so you never pay it back. The University of London runs this fund for students at its School of Advanced Study (SAS) and the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP). The exact amount is decided case by case, so you may get less than you ask for. It covers living costs and unforeseen expenses, but not your tuition fees. Normally you apply once a year. In a severe emergency you can apply a second time.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are registered for the current year at the School of Advanced Study or the University of London Institute in Paris.
• Level: Any level qualifies, from foundation year and diploma through undergraduate to postgraduate, including PhD students in their writing-up phase.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Study mode: Full-time, part-time and writing-up students all qualify.
• Nationality and fee status: Any nationality can apply, whatever your fee status (Home, EU or Overseas).
• Financial situation: You must show at least one of these: you risk having to leave or pause your studies for money reasons; you had an unexpected event, cost or loss of income; or you cannot afford essential equipment, software or textbooks your course needs because of something you could not foresee.

How to apply

You can apply at any time during the academic year. There is no fixed deadline. Fill in the University of London Hardship Grant application form and send it with evidence such as bank statements and bills to the SAS Registry, or to the ULIP contact if you study in Paris. There is no interview. The decision is made from your file alone.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive academic scholarship but an emergency fund. What matters is whether you can clearly document a genuine, unforeseen financial problem. Only students at two institutions can apply, which keeps the pool small, and grants go to those in most need. If you fit the eligibility and back up your situation with clear evidence, your prospects are good.