Access to Learning Fund
The 2012/13 Summer Access to Learning Fund is open by appointment only from Tuesday 28 May 2013 until the funds are depleted.
If you wish to apply please book an appointment with a Student Adviser in Student Services who will discuss your financial situation with you. Please note this does not guarantee an award.
| Access to Learning Fund |
| Please book an appointment with a Student Adviser in the first instance. |
What is the Access to Learning Fund?
The Access to Learning Fund (ALF) is money given to all universities by the Government. ALF provides financial support for students to help them access and remain in higher education, and can help alleviate unexpected financial hardship. Payments from ALF can be used to help with course-related costs such as childcare costs, books, materials, and travel, and general living costs such as rent, food and utility costs. Payments can also be used to meet exceptional costs, such as repairs to essential household equipment, assistance with priority debts, and other emergency situations that arise. It is not designed to meet the cost of tuition fees.
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Please remember that the ALF money that the University receives from the Government is limited. The support you receive from ALF should be seen as a contribution towards your expenses, it may not fully meet all your financial needs. You should also visit Student Services for information on other sources of financial support which may sometimes be available. |
Who can apply?
The following "Home" students are eligible to apply to ALF :
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Undergraduate students, full-time and part-time, on a course of Higher Education, including degree courses, foundation degrees, sandwich courses HNDs and HNCs
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Postgraduate students, full-time and part-time
Further details of eligibility are available on the application form.
Where can I get an application form?
Please book an appointment with a Student Adviser in the first instance.
How will my application be assessed?
Applications will be treated either as a 'standard' or a 'non-standard' claim. The Committee will assess 'standard' applications under an additional needs method that looks at the difference between reasonable expenditure and expected income. Applications will be treated as 'non-standard' if you have unforeseen circumstances that may require emergency financial help, or perhaps to help with priority debts.
Please explain in your personal statement why you are applying to the Fund. You must enclose up to date documents to support your case, i.e. up to date bank statements, rent statement, benefit statements, Student Finance letters and payment schedule, if applicable, and any other documentation that are relevant to your circumstances that you would like the Committee to take into account.
Where do I submit my form?
Please submit your completed Application Form, attaching all the necessary relevant documentation and evidence, to your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Office.
| Important Information |
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If you have received the Hardship Fund/Loan in previous years, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in your application to ALF, or receive the same level of support as in previous years. Due to a reduction in funding, awards paid this year may be lower than in previous years. If you received an award in a previous year, you are (if eligible) likely to receive less money this year. |
