Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your finances?
The University of Worcester has a new funding scheme for students facing financial hardship because of the pandemic, it can also help other eligible students who are experiencing financial difficulties.
Financial support
• Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your finances?
• Are you struggling without part-time work?
• Has your household income been affected?
• Other financial difficulty?
We know this year continues to be a challenging one for a lot of students and that the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact in many ways. If you’ve been affected financially the new COVID Hardship Fund is here to help.
It is a non-repayable grant administered by the University of Worcester to help eligible students who are experiencing financial difficulties.
The scheme can also help eligible students with the cost of buying entry level IT equipment for their studies.
It’s easy to apply and it's open to all current students who pay their fees to the University of Worcester, including:
• part or full-time students
• undergraduates
• postgraduates
• EU and international students
• students who have received funding from hardship funds previously
The scheme only runs until the end of July 2021 so apply now.
To complete the application you will need:
• Your student number
• To provide a statement describing your circumstances
• 1 months’ bank statements* (recent and for all current, savings accounts &credit cards)
*If you are living with your partner and the pandemic has affected your household income, you will need to provide 1 months' bank statements for your partner's accounts too.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Any current Home, EU or International student whose fees are paid direct to the University of Worcester, including those studying at partner colleges. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible as well as both full and part time students.
Students paying fees to UWIC are not eligible for the scheme and should contact SS@uwic.worc.ac.uk for advice on accessing support.
Q: Is it easy to apply?
A: Yes. You can apply online. We only need some basic details, an explanation of your situation and your bank statements for the last month as evidence of your finances.
Q. I live with a partner do I need to provide any evidence about them?
A: If you are living with your partner you will need to provide 1 months' bank statements for your partner's accounts too.
Q: What should I do if I need help with the application.
A: You can get help and advice from the Money Advisers by booking an appointment through firstpoint.
Q: How much will I get?
A: Because we have made this process as quick and simple as possible, we are offering awards that aim to provide short term hardship relief based on your individual circumstances.
Q. Can I apply if my situation is more complicated and longer lasting?
A: Yes. If you fully explain your situation when you apply, all your circumstances can be taken into account and appropriate financial support considered. If we need additional information to make a decision, we will let you know.
Q: I have some savings can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can still apply, but as this fund is looking at immediate hardship any savings will be considered and it may be less likely that an award is made.
Q: Can I apply for help with a laptop or other equipment to help with my studies?
A: Yes, Funding has been set aside for students who need help to buy entry level IT equipment for their studies. In most cases, successful applicants will receive a fixed award as a credit to their Reach account. This gives students access to an online shop with a range of educational resources, including laptops, headphones and tablets, at reasonable prices. If you do not have a Reach account and an award is made, an account will be opened for you.
If you are an apprentice contact apprenticeships@worc.ac.uk to see what further support may be available from your employer.
Q: How long will it take for you to review my application?
A: We will process all completed applications as quickly as we can. You can help to avoid delays by making sure you have attached statements covering the most recent full month for ALL your bank, building society and savings accounts, including any online accounts. Please provide downloaded statements rather than screenshots if at all possible. Incomplete evidence will delay your application.
Q: I have left my accommodation in Worcester – can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can apply wherever you are currently living.
Q: I have handed in my final piece of work – can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can apply as long as your course has not officially ended.
Q: I received some financial help earlier in this academic year – can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can apply to this fund as long as you are not applying for the same reasons or time period. Tell us on your application why you need to apply again.