⚠️There is currently a 6+ week wait for application assessments because of high demand. To avoid delays, make sure you upload all required documents in the correct format when you apply.
- What is Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA)?
- Who is eligible?
- How to apply?
- How much aid will I receive?
- How long does it take to assess my application?
- Can I appeal the OEFA decision?
What is Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA)
OEFA provides discretionary financial assistance to overseas and EU (as assessed by the Student Loans Company) students, in the form of a non-repayable monetary award. The fund can help to alleviate unexpected and emergency financial hardship.
Who is eligible?
Students who wish to apply must be currently studying at the University of Hertfordshire and have an overseas fee status or be assessed as EU by the Student Loans Company (SLC); this excludes online and distance learning students. If you are a Home student, please refer to our University Financial Assistance Fund University Financial Assistance Fund page.
Please read the document before applying and see a list of acceptable evidence OEFA 25/26 Criteria.
ℹ️ students can only make one application per academic year unless there is an unexpected change in circumstances since their initial application.
OEFA financial support fund is accessible to students with no recourse to public funding. Your eligibility is not restricted if you meet the OEFA eligibility criteria.
Students in first semester will be automatically rejected as funds should be in place prior to start of the course. However, you can apply for Short Term Assistance Grant in this case for support with living costs.
Re-applying is not permitted
How to apply
ℹ️To help us process your OEFA 25/26 application faster, make sure you:
- Read the OEFA 25/26 Criteria carefully, including the list of acceptable evidence.
- Upload one month of bank statements for all your bank accounts.
- Write a personal statement explaining your current situation.
- Provide any evidence required in the OEFA 25/26 Criteria to support what you wrote in your statement.
-
Register on Blackbullion
Go to www.blackbullion.com and sign up using your student email address (e.g., ab20cde@herts.ac.uk — this is just an example). -
Complete the Application
You will be asked to explain:- What unexpected financial difficulties you are facing
- What evidence you have for your situation
- How you plan to use the fund if your application is successful
You must upload all supporting evidence. If anything is missing or unclear, we will contact you through Blackbullion to request it.
-
Read the Criteria
Make sure you read the full OEFA fund criteria before submitting.
Need Help?
If you want support with your application, you can attend one of our drop-in sessions with a member of the team. More information is available online.
How much aid will I receive?
Your application will be assessed using specific criteria, and you must provide evidence to support your situation. Each application is reviewed individually. If you are successful, you will receive a non‑repayable grant of at least £500. In urgent or exceptional cases, you may receive more, but you might need to attend a meeting or provide extra evidence.
How long does it take to assess my application?
We aim to assess your application and make a decision within 4 working weeks after you submit your completed form and all required evidence.
Sometimes it may take longer than 4 weeks, especially during busy periods when we receive a high number of applications.
Can I appeal the OEFA decision?
This fund is discretionary, so all decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
If you want to talk about the outcome of your application, email financial-support@herts.ac.uk within 10 working days of receiving your decision.
Please be aware that the SFFS team does not have to inform students if the fund closes earlier than expected.