University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF) and Summer Fund

On this page:

• What is the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF) and Summer Fund?
• Who can apply for the Summer Fund?
• How are Summer Fund awards assessed?
• What is the Summer Fund application deadline?
• How to apply through Blackbullion?
• How long does a decision take?
• How do I appeal a UFAF or Summer Fund decision?
• Student Funding and Financial Support

What is the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF) and Summer Fund?

The University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF) and Summer Fund provide non-repayable financial support for eligible home students experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

The funds are designed to help with essential living costs.

• Available to eligible home students facing financial difficulties.
• Intended to support essential living expenses.
• Particularly aimed at students considering leaving their course because of financial hardship.
• Any outstanding University accommodation debt will be cleared first from any award made.
• Any remaining balance will be paid directly into your bank account by BACS. Payments are never made in cash.

Who can apply for the Summer Fund?

You may be eligible if you are:

• A non-final-year undergraduate home student.
• A final-year Nursing or Midwifery home student.
• A postgraduate home student.

You must also:

• Have applied to the correct funding body.
• Be receiving your full funding entitlement.
• Be fully registered at the University.

Please note:

• Overseas and EU students (as assessed by Student Finance) are not eligible. Visit the Financial Support page  or contact financial-support@herts.ac.uk for advice.
• The Summer Fund cannot be used to pay tuition fees. Applications for tuition fee support will be rejected.
• You can usually make only one application per academic year unless your circumstances change unexpectedly.

Before applying, download and read the criteria document for full eligibility requirements, application dates and evidence guidance.

How are Summer Fund awards assessed?

Applications are assessed against the published criteria.

• Awards are usually between £150 and £500.

What is the Summer Fund application deadline?

Funds are limited, so apply as early as possible.

The fund may close without notice if all available funding has been allocated.

Before applying, read the criteria document for:

• Opening and closing dates
• Eligibility requirements
• Required supporting evidence

How to apply through Blackbullion?

1. Register with Blackbullion using your University student email address.
2. Complete the application and explain the financial difficulties you expect to face during the summer period.
3. Upload all required supporting evidence.
4. Attend a Financial Support drop-in session if you need help with your application.
5. Complete the two required Blackbullion e-learning modules and quizzes.
6. Achieve at least 80% in each quiz. You can retake the modules as many times as needed.
7. Visit the Blackbullion page for further guidance.

Missing or unclear evidence may delay your application. Additional evidence may be requested through Blackbullion.

How long does a decision take?

• Decisions are usually made within four working weeks of receiving a completed application and all supporting evidence.
• If your application takes longer to assess, you will be contacted by email.

How do I appeal a UFAF or Summer Fund decision?

If you are unhappy with a decision made by the Student Funding and Financial Support team, you can appeal.

Visit the Hardship Fund Appeals page for information about the appeals process.

Student Funding and Financial Support

Visit the Financial Support page to find information about:

• Financial support available from the University
• Blackbullion
• Financial Support appointments
• Other funding and support options available to students

Need help? Contact the Student Funding and Financial Support team or attend a Financial Support drop-in session for advice before applying.

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