UK Universities Offering Bursaries and Hardship Funds for International Students

Studying in the United Kingdom is a prestigious achievement, but for many international students, the financial transition can be challenging. Beyond the initial tuition fees and visa maintenance requirements, unexpected life events—such as currency fluctuations, family emergencies, or a sudden loss of sponsorship—can lead to severe financial distress.

Recognizing these challenges, many UK universities offer bursaries and hardship funds specifically designed to support international students during times of crisis. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to access these funds, which universities lead the way in student support, and the essential requirements to qualify for emergency financial aid. Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many international students. With globally recognized universities, diverse academic programs, and strong career prospects, the UK remains one of the top destinations for higher education. However, tuition fees and living costs can be challenging. To support students facing financial difficulties, many UK universities offer bursaries and hardship funds.
This guide provides a complete overview for 2026, explaining what bursaries and hardship funds are, how international students can qualify, and which universities provide the most support.

🎓 What Are Bursaries and Hardship Funds?

• Bursaries: Financial awards given to students based on financial need rather than academic merit.
• Hardship Funds: Emergency financial support for students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties during their studies.
• Difference from Scholarships: Scholarships are usually merit-based, while bursaries and hardship funds focus on financial need.

💰 Why UK Universities Offer Financial Support

• Inclusivity: Ensuring talented students from diverse backgrounds can access education.
• Retention: Helping students remain enrolled despite financial challenges.
• Global Reputation: Attracting international students by offering financial assistance.

🏫 UK Universities Offering Bursaries and Hardship Funds

1. University of Oxford
• Offers International Student Hardship Fund.
• Provides emergency support for students facing unexpected financial difficulties.
• Additional bursaries available for low-income students.

2. University of Cambridge
• Cambridge Bursary Scheme supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Hardship funds available for international students experiencing financial crises.

3. King’s College London
• Provides King’s Living Bursary for students with financial need.
• Emergency hardship grants available for international students.

4. University of Edinburgh
• Offers Access Edinburgh Scholarships and Hardship Funds.
• Designed to support students from low-income families and those facing financial emergencies.

5. University of Manchester
• Manchester Bursary Scheme supports students from low-income households.
• Hardship funds available for international students struggling with living costs.

6. University of Glasgow
• Provides bursaries for international students in financial need.
• Hardship funds available for emergencies such as medical expenses or unexpected housing costs.

7. London School of Economics (LSE)
• Offers LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme.
• Hardship funds available for international students facing financial challenges.

The Difference Between Bursaries, Scholarships, and Hardship Funds

Before applying, it is critical to understand the terminology used by UK university finance offices. Advertisers in the personal finance and student loan sectors often focus on these specific categories:

1. Scholarships: Usually merit-based or targeted at specific nationalities/subjects. They are typically awarded before or at the start of a course.

2. Bursaries: Often automatically awarded based on financial need or background. They are frequently non-repayable grants.

3. Hardship Funds (Emergency Funding): Discretionary grants provided to students who encounter unforeseen financial difficulties after they have already started their course.

Top UK Universities for International Hardship Support

While most universities have some form of “Access to Learning” fund for domestic students, the following institutions have dedicated, robust systems for Overseas and EU students.

1. King’s College London (KCL)

King’s offers the International Hardship Fund, which provides grants to students experiencing financial difficulties despite having arranged adequate funding at the start of their studies.

• Award Value: Typically varies but can be as high as £6,000 in extreme cases.

• Focus: Students in their final year of study are often prioritized.

2. University of Greenwich

Greenwich’s International Hardship Fund is designed for those who have experienced unexpected costs.

• Eligibility: Students must be fully registered and, for new entrants, usually must wait until their second semester to apply.

• Award Value: Up to £1,000 per academic year.

• Specific Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate they have less than £500 in total across all bank accounts (UK and home country).

3. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

QMUL provides a Financial Assistance Fund for temporary and unexpected hardship. Interestingly, they also offer:

• Supermarket Vouchers: One-off £25 vouchers for students in immediate need of food and toiletries.

• Short-Term Loans: Interest-free loans of up to £100 through the Students’ Union for “cash-flow” problems (e.g., waiting for a bank transfer).

4. SOAS University of London

SOAS offers an International Hardship Fund for students facing emergency unforeseen costs.

• Eligibility: Applicants must show they made “reasonable provision” for their fees and living costs before arriving in the UK.

• Award Value: Small grants, typically up to £1,000.

5. University of Hertfordshire

Through their Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA), Hertfordshire provides non-repayable monetary awards to help alleviate emergency situations.

• Application Method: Uses the Blackbullion platform, a popular financial education and funding tool for UK students.

Qualifying for Hardship Funds: Essential Requirements

University hardship funds are not a “backup” for students who arrived without enough money; they are a safety net for those who have had their financial plans disrupted. To qualify, you generally must meet these three pillars:

I. Evidence of Financial Planning

The university will require proof that you met the UK Home Office visa maintenance requirements when you first applied for your student visa. You must prove that your current hardship was truly unforeseeable (e.g., a medical emergency, the death of a sponsor, or political instability in your home country).

II. The “Full Exhaustion” Rule

Before granting a hardship award, the finance office will expect you to have exhausted all other options. This includes:

• Part-time work (up to the 20-hour visa limit).

• Personal savings.

• Family support.

• Private student loans from providers like Prodigy Finance or MPOWER Financing.

III. Bank Statement Analysis

Most universities require three months of consecutive bank statements for all your accounts (both in the UK and abroad). They look for:

• Income vs. expenditure patterns.

• Evidence of “essential spending” only (extravagant spending on luxury items can lead to a rejection).

• Low current balance (often less than £500).

How to Write a Winning Hardship Statement

Your personal statement is the most critical part of the application. To appeal to the discretionary committee:

1. Be Transparent: Explain exactly why the money you had is now gone. If it was a currency crash, provide the exchange rate data.

2. Itemize Your Need: Don’t just ask for “money.” Ask for “£450 for January rent and £150 for essential groceries.”

3. Future Plan: Explain how you will survive after the hardship grant. Committees are reluctant to fund a “lost cause”; they want to see that this grant will help you complete your degree.

External Grants and Charities for International Students

If your university fund is exhausted, several UK-based trusts and charities provide “top-up” grants for international scholars.

Legal and Visa Implications of Hardship Funds

A common concern among international students is whether receiving “hardship funds” counts as “Public Funds”—which is prohibited under many UK student visas.

Important Note: University hardship funds and bursaries are NOT considered “Public Funds” by the UK Home Office. They are private institutional funds. Accessing them does not affect your immigration status or your ability to switch to a Graduate Route Visa later.

Strategic Financial Planning to Avoid Hardship

To stay in the “High CPC” niche, it’s worth considering financial products that can mitigate risks:

• Student Insurance: Providers like Endsleigh offer insurance that can cover tuition fee loss if you are forced to withdraw for medical reasons.

• Digital Banks: Using apps like Revolut or Monzo can help track spending more effectively than traditional high-street banks.

• International Transfers: Services like Wise or Remitly often provide better exchange rates than banks, saving you hundreds over the course of a year.

Summary of Next Steps

1. Contact your Student Union: They often have specialized “Money Advisers” who can review your application before you submit it to the university.

2. Gather Documents Early: Hardship funds can take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Don’t wait until you have zero pounds to start the paperwork.

3. Check your Student Portal: Search for keywords like “Financial Assistance,” “Access Fund,” or “Emergency Loan.”

📑 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for bursaries or hardship funds, international students must:
• Be enrolled in a UK university.
• Demonstrate financial need (bank statements, proof of income).
• Provide evidence of unexpected financial hardship (medical bills, family emergencies).
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

📝 Application Process

1. Check University Website: Each institution has specific bursary and hardship fund details.
2. Prepare Documents: Proof of income, bank statements, and supporting letters.
3. Submit Application: Usually through the university’s student finance office.
4. Interview or Assessment: Some universities may require interviews to assess need.
5. Receive Decision: Funds are typically disbursed directly to the student’s account.

📍 Examples of Support Amounts

• Oxford: Up to £5,000 in hardship support.
• Cambridge: £3,500–£7,500 bursaries depending on need.
• King’s College London: £1,500–£3,000 bursaries.
• Edinburgh: £1,000–£5,000 hardship grants.

⚖️ Challenges and Considerations

• Limited Funds: Not all applicants may receive support.
• High Competition: Many students apply for limited bursary funds.
• Documentation Requirements: Strict proof of financial need required.
• Emergency Nature: Hardship funds are often short-term solutions.

📈 Benefits of Applying

• Reduced Financial Stress: Helps cover rent, food, and study materials.
• Improved Academic Focus: Students can concentrate on studies without financial worries.
• Access to Opportunities: Enables participation in internships, research, and extracurricular activities.

✅ Conclusion

UK universities recognize the financial challenges faced by international students and provide bursaries and hardship funds to ensure education remains accessible. Institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and LSE offer targeted support to students in need.
Key takeaway: By preparing strong applications and demonstrating financial need, international students can secure bursaries and hardship funds, making UK education more affordable and sustainable.