- What is Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA)?
- Who can apply?
- How do I apply?
- How much support can I receive?
- How long does a decision take?
- Can I appeal the OEFA decision?
Important update
The OEFA budget for 2025/26 has been fully allocated.
The fund is currently closed to new applications. Any applications already submitted will remain under review and applicants will be updated if circumstances change.
Fraud warning: Do not pay anyone claiming they can secure financial support on your behalf. Requests for money or personal information may be part of a scam.
What is Overseas Emergency Financial Aid (OEFA)
OEFA is a discretionary fund provided by the University of Hertfordshire to help overseas and eligible EU students experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
Support is provided as a non-repayable grant, which does not need to be paid back.
The fund is intended to help students facing emergency financial difficulties that could affect their ability to continue their studies.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are currently studying at the University of Hertfordshire
- Have overseas fee status, or are assessed as an EU student by the Student Loans Company (SLC)
- Are not studying through online or distance learning
Home students should apply through the University Financial Assistance Fund (UFAF) instead.
Important information
- You should read the OEFA criteria and evidence requirements before applying.
- Students can normally submit one application per academic year.
- A further application will only be considered if there has been an unexpected change in circumstances since the original application.
- Students with no recourse to public funds can apply if they meet the OEFA eligibility criteria.
- Students in their first semester are not eligible because funding should be in place before starting their course. If you need help with living costs, you may wish to apply for the Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG) instead.
How do I apply
Before applying, make sure you:
- Read the OEFA criteria and evidence requirements
- Provide one month's bank statements for all bank accounts
- Write a personal statement explaining your circumstances
- Upload all supporting evidence when you submit your application
Application process
- Register with Blackbullion
Create an account using your University email address.
- Complete the application
You will be asked to explain:
- The unexpected financial difficulties you are experiencing
- The evidence supporting your application
- How you would use the funding if awarded
- Submit supporting evidence
All required evidence must be uploaded with your application.
Need help?
If you need support with your application, attend a Student Funding and Financial Support drop-in session.
-
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 at the time of applying.
-
Read the Criteria
Make sure you read the full OEFA fund criteria before submitting.
How much support can I receive?
Applications are assessed individually against the OEFA criteria and supporting evidence.
If your application is successful, you will receive a non-repayable grant of at least £500.
In exceptional circumstances, a higher award may be considered. You may be asked to attend a meeting or provide additional evidence.
How long does a decision take?
Once you have submitted a completed application with all required evidence, we aim to make a decision within four working weeks.
During busy periods, assessments may take longer.
Can I appeal an OEFA decision?
No. OEFA is a discretionary fund and decisions are final.
If you would like to discuss the outcome of your application, email financial-support@herts.ac.uk within 10 working days of receiving your decision.
Please note that the Student Funding and Financial Support team is not required to notify students if the fund closes earlier than expected.