Hardship Funds

Covid-19 Update

If you are a home UK or EU enrolled student facing financial hardship as a result of the current Coronavirus situation you may be able to access financial support from the Hardship Fund. To apply just contact the Money Support Unit for an application form on moneysupport@bangor.ac.uk

Applications should be returned via email with all the required evidence including 2 months bank statements and any other relevant information such as a letter from employer, travel costs, an unexpected financial cost etc.

The Fund is limited and cannot replace loss of income but will endeavor to help with students’ immediate needs and unexpected course costs in this period of uncertainty.

Applications will be assessed on case by case basis.  

We aim to assess and approve an application within 5 working days and pay students their awards within 5 working days thereafter.

International students should contact the International Student Support Team for guidance and advice.

New - Digital Hardship Fund

Because of the current need for online learning, we have set up a digital hardship fund to support students who experience barriers in accessing online delivery. Students with a household income below £30,000 who can demonstrate need are able to apply for a digital hardship award of up to £500.

New September 2020 starters

To apply email moneysupport@bangor.ac.ukdetailing the difficulties you may face and approximate cost of the computer / digital equipment you need.

Awards of up to £500 are payable after registration at the University.

Continuing Students

Are you a continuing student here at Bangor University who is experiencing barriers in accessing online delivery? If you are and can demonstrate need you may be able to apply for a digital hardship award from the Hardship Fund. To apply email moneysupport@bangor.ac.uk now detailing the difficulties you are facing and the approximate cost of purchasing computer / digital equipment or internet facilities.

You may also find these specific Coronavirus Hardship Fund Q&A’s useful:

  1. I have returned home due to the coronavirus and therefore left my part time job. I now have no income until I receive my next student finance instalment. Can the university help? The University operates a hardship Fund to help students who experience an unexpected financial crisis. Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to additional short term support for your immediate needs from the Fund.
  2. I’d booked flights / a train / accommodation to participate in academic work / study / work placement relating to my course. This virus means that I can no longer go. I'm now out of pocket can the Hardship Fund help? Yes, contact the Money Support Unit for an application form as soon as you can.
  3. Due to the ongoing pandemic I cannot travel home and struggling to pay the additional rent.  Can the university help? You may be entitled to receive support via the Hardship Fund and are encouraged to contact the Money Suport Unit if you are an UK or EU student.  If you are an International student you should contact the International Student Support Office for further information and an appliction form.

Eligibility

The fund is available to registered Bangor University students – Undergraduate or Postgraduates whether you are from the UK, EU or an International student studying full or part-time courses.

Because of limited nature of the fund, priority is given to certain groups of students. These include:

  • Students with children
  • Disabled students, in particular those where the DSA is unable to meet particular costs
  • Final year students who are in financial difficulty (including those unable to work due to academic pressures)
  • Care Experience
  • Estranged students and Former Foyer residents
  • Homeless students

Should a student fall into one or more of the categories listed above this does not mean automatic entitlement to an award. Students identified as being in a priority group must provide evidence that their financial circumstances merit support from the fund.

Where eligible, full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students must have applied for their full entitlement of maintenance loan/grant.

Students will be expected to have explored all means of helping themselves before applying to the fund, such as finding part-time work and considering ways of reducing their expenditure. It is therefore recommended that you carefully work out a weekly or monthly budget to identify where your expenditure can be reduced and/or income increased. Use the following budgeting tool to help you budget or download a budgeting sheet using the following link:

Download a budget sheet

How and when to apply?

Students may apply at any time during the academic year and should contact one of the following for advice and support and an application form:

UK & EU students – should contact the Money Support Unit to discuss their situation.

International students – should contact the International Student Support Office in the International Education Centre (IEC) to discuss their situation.

All applications must be on a valid form and returned in person where possible with all the relevant photocopied documentation to one of the offices listed above.

Applications are assessed on evidence of a shortfall in a student's income and expenditure. It is therefore essential that you give clear and accurate details of all your income and ongoing financial commitments. It is important that you complete the form thoroughly and provide all the necessary evidence required to enable us to process your application.

Your application form will not be accepted without the required supporting evidence.

Allocation of Funds

We aim to process, discuss and inform students of any award within 15 working days of receiving a completed application to the Money Support Unit or the International Student Support Office.

Awards are dependent on a student being registered and in attendance on a course here in Bangor University.

Awards are paid via BACS into the student’s bank account.

Students will be notified of all decisions via email.

Confidentiality

Applications are seen only by the Money Support Unit staff and the International Student Support Office. In some cases, it may be necessary for additiional supporting information to be sought from other University staff in order for a decision to be reached, in which case we will seek the student's permission beforehand.

Data Protection Act (1998): Bangor University is a data controller as defined in the 2018 legislation. Student Services follows University policy in matters of data protection. Personal and special category data will be used solely in the Unit for statistical purposes and electronic records keeping. This data will not be passed to any other third party without your consent, except when the University is required to do so by law. Any formal enquiries concerning the use of data noted here should be addressed to the Director of Student Services.

Appeals

All applicants have the right to appeal if they are not entirely satisfied with the outcome of their application. However, appeals will only be considered where there is further evidence of a student’s personal circumstances.

Students may seek a review in the first instance, and should make an appointment with the Student Adviser in the Money Support Unit or the Head of International Student Support to discuss further evidence. If appropriate, a reviewed application will be considered by the Allocation Group. Students will be informed in writing of the Allocation Group’s decision.

Any further appeal should be made in writing to the Director of Student Services, who will forward to an independent Senior Officer of the University, for consideration. Students will be informed of a decision as soon as possible.

Help and Support

If you have any queries or need assistance contact:

UK & EU students – should contact the Money Support Unit or by telephone 01248 383566

International students – should contact the International Student Support Office in the International Education Centre (IEC)