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

Please read the full criteria and the application process here: STAG 24-25. 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.

Eligibility

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.

Dates and Deadlines

STAG opening and closing dates are shown in the below table.

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.    

Receiving an award

If your STAG application is successful, you will be informed of the decision and the date you will receive payment. All correspondence will be sent to your student email address.

Awarded funds will be paid by BACS into your nominated bank account. 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.

Appeals

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.

Re-applying

You can only submit one application, per an academic year.

Other 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.