University of the West of England - Emergency Fund

UWE Bristol International Emergency Fund

You will receive a one-off payment of up to about 1,150 EUR (£1,000) if you suddenly find yourself in serious financial difficulty whilst studying at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The money is intended to cover essential living costs or a flight home. It must not be used to pay tuition fees. This is a safety net for unforeseen crises, not a regular source of funding on which you can rely to fund your studies.

Who can apply

• University: You are duly enrolled and studying full-time at UWE Bristol.
• Nationality: You are not a British national. Either you pay the tuition fees for international students, or you are an EU student who is not eligible for living costs support from Student Finance.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Financial need: Since the start of the school year, you have been facing considerable, unexpected difficulties.
• What will not work: It is unlikely that you will receive financial support if you are already receiving a government grant or a US loan, if the problem is solely due to exchange rate fluctuations, or if you are in your first year of study and hold a student visa. First-year students were required to prove, before the start of their studies, that they could cover their tuition fees and living costs.

How to apply

Please contact UWE Bristol’s ‘Student Money Service’ via the online enquiry form and briefly describe your situation. Applications for the 2025/26 academic year can be submitted until 10. July 2026 or until funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Once you have submitted your supporting documents, a decision will usually be made within four weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

As this is a small fund awarded at the discretion of the committee, even students in dire straits rarely receive the full amount. Furthermore, the application period may close early once the funds have been exhausted. Your application will be assessed on the basis of demonstrable, genuine need. In some cases, approval is unlikely: existing loans, exchange rate losses or first-year visa holder status. If you clearly meet the criteria for non-UK nationals and can demonstrate a genuine, unforeseen emergency, apply for the grant as early as possible before the fund runs out.