Information about the Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG)
*STAG opens for new applications on 20th October 2025*
If you are a current University of Hertfordshire student struggling to cover essential, day-to-day living expenses, then you may be eligible for the Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG). STAG offers discretionary short-term financial assistance for both Overseas and Home students struggling with the rising cost of living. Successful applicants will receive a non-repayable financial award of £250.
- How to apply for STAG
- Who is eligible for STAG?
- When do I need to apply for STAG?
- When will I receive my STAG award?
- How can I make an appeal?
- Can I reapply for STAG?
- Other financial support
How to apply for STAG?
Please read the full criteria and the application process here: STAG 2025-2026. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To apply for STAG, you will need to register online at www.blackbullion.com using your student email address in the following format ab20cde@herts.ac.uk. *Please note, this is an example and you should use your own details to sign in.*
We will require the latest, one-month (30 days) bank statement from all bank accounts held in your name.
Who is eligible for STAG?
To be considered for the fund you must be:
- studying at the University of Hertfordshire;
- studying in higher education (Level 4 or above) at Hertford Regional College, North Hertfordshire College, Oaklands College, West Hertfordshire College and Southgate College; or
- studying in higher education at other UK Partner Institutions not listed above.
STAG fund is accessible to students with no recourse to public funding. Your eligibility is not restricted if you meet the STAG eligibility criteria.
When do I need to apply for STAG?
STAG opening and closing dates are shown in the below table.
|
Terms |
Opening date |
Closing date |
|
Autumn Term |
Monday 20th October 2025 |
Friday 12th December 2025 by 4:00pm |
|
Spring/Summer Term |
Monday 12th January 2026 |
Friday 15th May 2026 by 4:00pm |
Please note, STAG funds are limited. Once funds have been exhausted, STAG may be closed outside of the dates stated above, without advanced warning. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply early for STAG as funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
When will I receive my STAG award?
If your STAG application is successful, you will be informed of the decision via Blackbullion. All correspondence will be sent to your student email address.
Awarded funds will be paid by BACS into your nominated bank account via Aspire. Funds cannot be paid in cash.
Timeframe
An assessment of the completed application and a decision will be made within 4 working weeks. This timescale may be longer during busy periods. Please note this timescale is for decisions on applications only and not for payment of an award.
How can I make an appeal?
The decision on your application from this grant are final. There is no right to appeal. However, if you are unhappy with the outcome of your application, please contact the team via the following email: financial-support@herts.ac.uk.
Can I re-apply for STAG?
You can only have ONE successful application per academic year.
Other financial Support
All other financial support offered at the University of Hertfordshire is listed on the Financial Support page on Ask Herts.
STAG can be held in conjunction with other University awards that you may be eligible for.