Financial Support for Students

The Covid-19 Pandemic has put pressure on most people’s finances so we’ve put together some information about what financial support is available for students.

There are currently many services that offer help and advice as well as financial support for students who are truly struggling and are facing financial hardship; whether they are impacted by Covid-19 or not.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a regular income awarded by the government to low income individuals. You will go through an assessment to determine if you qualify.  A student finance calculator is also available on the government website, it is simple to use and after entering your information they will confirm whether you are eligible for additional support like Universal Credit.

University Hardship Funds

Each University has their own process and eligibility criteria for hardship funds, you will be able to apply by contacting your university student services.

Anyone can apply for a hardship grant; however, you will go through an assessment to see if you qualify and the amount of funds available to you will be determined on a case by case basis.

Usually, the funds that are awarded will not need to be paid back, however, if you are not eligible for a non-repayable grant, your University may still be able to offer you a loan which you would need to pay back.

Please follow the link to your university to check out their options for Hardship funds; if your University is not listed below, they will still have their own process which you will find on their website or you could speak to your university student services.

University of Birmingham

Birmingham City University

University of Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University

University of Bristol

University West England

You are also still entitled to the financial support that was in place for you prior to Covid-19, including student finance, grants and bursaries.

Scholarships and Bursaries

What’s the difference and what do they offer?

• Scholarships are based on achievement or excellence in academics, art or music and are offered by universities, organisations or employers to support local talent.
• Bursaries are based on low income households, backgrounds or personal circumstances and are offered by universities, organisations or employers.

Scholarships and Bursaries are a great way to fund your learning.

There is a misconception that only the smartest students are successful for scholarships, and this is not the case! You can also apply at any point, so do keep looking if you aren’t successful before the start of the academic year. The first place that you should check for available Scholarships is your chosen universities website as they are likely to have their own funding opportunities and a list of external sources, 80% of scholarships are secured via your university.

There are lots of tips to help you prepare for your scholarship application.

 

TURN2US

There is a support group called ‘TURN2US’ which offers lots of really useful help and advice, there’s also a section that redirects you to local charities and available funding to those who are struggling, whether this be a grant or a 0% interest loan.

Purple Frog

If you are struggling to pay your rent, let us know. You may be able to agree an payment holiday or a payment plan. It’s always best to get in touch upfront before rent arrears build up.

You can email accounts@purplefrogproperty.com or complete this application for a payment holiday if you have been financially affected by Covid-19.