Information about the Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG)
ℹ️STAG opens for new applications on 20 October 2025
If you’re a current Herts student struggling with everyday living costs, you may be eligible. Available to both International and Home students. Provides short‑term financial help with rising living costs. Successful applicants receive a non‑repayable 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?
- Can I 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.*
ℹ️We 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 20 October 2025 |
Friday 12 December 2025 by 4:00pm |
|
Spring/Summer Term |
Monday 12 January 2026 |
Friday 15 May 2026 by 4:00pm |
⚠️ STAG funds are limited. STAG may close early if money runs out, without warning. Apply as soon as possible — awards are given on a first come, first served basis.
When will Iget my STAG award?
- If your application is successful, you’ll be told through Blackbullion and emailed via your student account.
- Funds are paid by BACS into your bank account via Aspire (not in cash).
- Decisions are normally made within 4 working weeks of receiving a completed application.
It may take longer during busy periods.
⚠️This timeframe is for the decision only, not for the payment itself.
Can I appeal?
- Decisions on this grant are final — there is no right to appeal.
- If you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can email the team at 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.