⚠️Due to a high number of applications there is currently a 6 working week turnaround for assessments. To avoid any delays in the processing of your application, please ensure you provide all required documentary evidence, in the correct format, at the time of applying.
- What is the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF)?
- UFAF eligibility?
- How are UFAF made?
- UFAF application deadline
- How do I apply (Blackbullion)?
- Assessment and decision time
- Appeals (UFAF and Summer Fund)
- Student Funding and Financial Support
What is the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF)?
- Offers non‑repayable awards to home students facing unexpected financial hardship.
- Designed to help with essential living costs.
- Students thinking of leaving higher education due to money worries are especially encouraged to apply.
- Awards will first cover any outstanding accommodation debt to the University.
- Any remaining balance is paid by BACS into your bank account (never in cash).
UFAF eligibility?
- Available to Home students who have applied to the right funding body and are receiving their full entitlement.
- Overseas and EU students should look at the Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA) , Short Term Assistance Grant (STAG), or our financial support pages.
- UFAF cannot be used to pay tuition fees — applications for this will be rejected.
- You must be fully registered to apply.
- Only one application per academic year is allowed, unless your circumstances change unexpectedly.
ℹ️For full information on eligibility, fund opening and closing dates and documentary evidence required, please ensure you download and read the criteria document before submitting your application.
How are UFAF awards made?
- Applications are assessed using set criteria.
- Awards range from £250 up to £2,500, depending on the assessment outcome.
- Summer Fund awards range from £150 up to £500.
UFAF application deadline
ℹ️UFAF funds are limited, so apply early. The fund may close without warning if money runs out. For full details on opening/closing dates, eligibility, and documents needed, read the criteria document before applying.
How to apply (Blackbullion)?
- Register online at Blackbullion using your student email (e.g. ab20cde@herts.ac.uk — use your own details).
- The application will ask: What financial plans you made for living costs before the academic year and details
of your unexpected financial difficulties. - You must upload supporting evidence. Missing or unclear evidence may delay your application. Extra evidence will be requested through Blackbullion if needed.
- For help, join a drop in sessions with the team.
- You must complete two Blackbullion e‑learning modules.Each has a short quiz — you need 80% to pass. You can retake the modules as many times as needed.
- See the Blackbullion Ask Herts page for more details.
Assessment and decision time?
- A decision is usually made within 4 working weeks once your completed application and evidence are received.
- Sometimes it may take longer — if so, you’ll be notified by email.
Appeals (UFAF/Summer Fund)
- If you’re unhappy with the decision made by the Student Funding and Financial Support team, you can appeal.
- Please see the appeal page for details.
Student funding and financial support
Please visit our Financial Support page, which details the different forms of financial support offered by the Student Funding and Financial Support team, in addition to information regarding Blackbullion and Appointments.