Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your finances?

The University of Worcester has a new funding scheme for students facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, one of three non-repayable grants administered by the University to help eligible students who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Financial support during lockdown

The Covid-19 Temporary Relief Fund closed on 31st March 2021.
Please see the University's new Covid Hardship Fund webpage.


Access to Learning Fund 

The University Hardship Fund is called the Access to Learning Fund.  It is a non-repayable grant administered by The University of Worcester to help eligible students who are experiencing financial difficulties.  In particular help is given to students who may be financially disadvantaged.  

To make the application process as quick, easy and COVID-safe as possible, all documents are now completed electronically and submitted by email.  Please download the PDF application form from the Access to Learning Fund webpage.  Completed application forms and copies of all the supporting evidence should be emailed to: moneyadvice@worc.ac.uk

Access to Technology Fund

Funding has been set aside for students who need help to buy entry level IT equipment for their studies. 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.

Applications are submitted online to make the process as quick, easy and COVID-safe as possible, and we will email you to let you know the outcome of your application. Find more information on the Technology Awards webpage.

• Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your finances? 

• Are you struggling without part-time work?

• Has your household income been affected?

We know this year has been challenging 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-19 Temporary Relief Fund is here to help.  

It's a new funding scheme for students facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.  

It’s easy to apply and it's open to all students studying at Level 4 and above, 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

To complete the application you will need: 

• Your student number
• A brief statement describing your circumstances
• 1 months’ bank statements* (for all current and savings accounts)

Apply here for the COVID-19 relief fund
Click here to apply to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund 

Check your eligibility
Check your eligibility

If you are unsure which is the right fund for you, check your eligibility by using the button above or look at the fund comparison chart below:

 

Access to 
Learning
Fund
COVID-19
Temporary
Relief Fund
Access to Technology
Fund
  Undergraduate course ✓ ✓ ✓
  Postgraduate course ✓ ✓ ✓
  Home student ✓ ✓ ✓
  EU student ✓ ✓ ✓
  International student ✗ ✓ ✗
  Additional course related costs ✓ ✓ ✓
  Reduced earnings due to Covid-19 ✓ ✓ ✗
  Help needed to access digital learning ✓ ✗ ✓
  Help with housing costs ✓ ✗ ✗
  Ongoing financial problems ✓ ✗ ✗
  Major change in circumstances ✓ ✗ ✗

*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 Home, EU or International student who is studying at level 4 or above and whose fees are paid direct to the University of Worcester.
Students paying fees to UWIC 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, a brief explanation of your situation and your bank statements for the last month as evidence of your finances.  

Q: Can I apply to the Covid-19 Temporary Relief Fund as well as the Access to Technology Fund AND/OR the Access to Learning Fund?
A: Yes, you can apply for all three, if you are eligible. However, we suggest having a look at our handy comparison chart (above) listing the differences between each scheme and the online eligibility checker which will help you decide which scheme will suit you best. If you need further advice you can book an appointment with a Money Adviser through firstpoint. 

Q. How do I know which of the different funds I should apply to?
A: You can see a comparison between the funds on our chart (above) and use our online eligibility checker in order to help you decide which scheme will suit you best. If you need further advice you can book an appointment with a Money Adviser 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. If your situation is long term or ongoing then you may wish to consider applying to the full Access to Learning Fund (subject to eligibility). 

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. 


Other Support

Counselling & Mental Health
firstpoint
Money Advice 
Students' Union
Wellbeing support during lockdown