Warwick Hardship Fund (WHF)

Warwick Hardship Fund (WHF)

You get a one-off or short-term cash payment if an unexpected emergency leaves you struggling to cover basic living costs while studying at the University of Warwick. There is no fixed sum. The amount is worked out case by case, based on the gap between your essential living costs and your income, and you never have to pay it back. The fund only steps in after you have used up your other options. The money goes to your UK bank account or clears a shortfall on your university account, sometimes as a single payment, sometimes across several.

Who can apply

• University: You are a registered student at the University of Warwick on a course leading to a formal qualification (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD).
• Home student: You count as a UK Home student. EU and international students apply instead to the International Students' Emergency Fund.
• Study intensity: You study full-time, or part-time on at least 50% of a full-time course (60 CATS a year). With a disability, at least 25% (30 CATS a year).
• PhD or Master's by Research: You first apply to the Doctoral College's PGR Hardship Fund. If you still need help, you then come to the WHF with proof of that outcome.
• Genuine emergency: Your hardship is a sudden, unexpected short-term problem, not something you could see coming before the year started.
• No other funds left: You have already taken your full government or NHS funding (such as the Maintenance Loan) and have no savings or overdraft that could cover the gap.
• Priority groups: Students with children or dependents, estranged students, care-experienced students and students with disabilities are given priority.

How to apply

You start by filling in a short online Expression of Interest form. If you look eligible, you are invited to a brief triage appointment, then to submit a full application with supporting documents, followed by a longer appointment with a funding adviser. There is no fixed deadline and you can apply throughout the year. Once invited, you must submit your documents within four weeks, or at least five weeks before your course ends if you are in your final year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is emergency help, not an open scholarship, so there is no guaranteed award and some applications are turned down. Your prospects depend on showing a real, unexpected shortfall after using every other source of money, since the fund only fills the gap that is left. If you are in one of the priority groups and can evidence your situation clearly, you have a stronger case.