- Important update
- What is SSF?
- How do I apply for SSF?
- Who can apply?
- When can I apply?
- When will I receive my award?
- Can I appeal?
- Can I apply again?
- Other financial support
Important update
The SSF fund is scheduled to open 26 October 2026 for 26/27 academic year.
Fraud warning: Do not pay anyone offering to secure financial support on your behalf. Requests for money or personal information may be part of a scam.
What is SSF?
The Student Support Fund (SSF) is funded by the University of Hertfordshire and provides short-term support to students struggling with the cost of living. This fund is not designed to support students with tuition fee payments or visa and deposit related costs.
The grant:
- Is available to home and international students
- Provides a one-off award of £300
- Does not need to be repaid
- Is open to students with no recourse to public funds
How do I apply for SSF?
Before applying, read the full SSF criteria and application guidance..
When applications are open:
- Register on Blackbullion using your University email address.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload a one-month (30-day) bank statement for every bank account held in your name.
Applications are assessed individually based on your circumstances. Applications with no supporting evidence will be automatically rejected.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you are:
- A student at the University of Hertfordshire, or
- Studying a higher education course (Level 4 or above) at:
- Hertford Regional College
- North Hertfordshire College
- Oaklands College
- West Hertfordshire College
- Barnet and Southgate College
- Studying in higher education at other UK Partner Institutions not listed above.
- Students on online degree pathways in the UK
- Part-time students
Please note, the following cannot apply for SSF:
- Withdrawn, dormant or completed students
- Applicants requesting financial support solely towards tuition fees, deposit or visa related fees.
- Applicants who fail to provide the required supporting evidence at the time of applying.
Applications without supporting evidence will be automatically rejected.
Eligible students with no recourse to public funds can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
When can I apply?
For the 2026/27 academic year, applications open during the following periods:
Autumn term
Applications open: 26 October 2026
Applications close: 11 December 2026 at 16:00
Spring and summer terms
Applications open: 11 January 2027
Applications close: 14 May 2027 at 16:00
Apply as early as possible. Funding is limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The fund may close early if all available funding has been allocated.
When will I receive my award?
If your application is successful:
- You will be notified through Blackbullion and your student email account of payment details.
- Payments are made directly to your bank account by BACS through Aspire.
- Applications are usually assessed within four working weeks of receiving a complete application and all required evidence.
During busy periods, assessment times may take longer.
Can I appeal?
No. Decisions on SSF applications are final and cannot be appealed.
If you would like to discuss the outcome of your application, contact: financial-support@herts.ac.uk
Can I apply again?
You can only receive one successful SSF award per academic year. However, if unsucessful you are allowed to re-apply.
Other financial support
The University offers a range of financial support schemes.
Visit the Financial Support page on Ask Herts to explore other funding options.
You may be able to receive SSF alongside other University awards if you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.