Access to Learning Fund
2009/10 Access to Learning Fund
The 2009/10 Access to Learning Fund opened on 04 November 2009 and will close when funds are exhausted.
The deadline for submission of applications and all outstanding supporting documents is the 5th May 2010.
Application forms are available from Undergraduate/Postgraduate Offices or can be downloaded here.
| Access to Learning Fund |
 Access to Learning Fund Application Form 2009-10 |
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Access to Learning Fund Guidance Notes
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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?
Application forms are available from all Undergraduate/Postgraduate Offices across the University, Student Services, and Finance Department.
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 unforseen circumstances that may require emergency financial help, or perhaps to help with priority debts.
Important Information
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.
Payment of awards will be made over two instalments in mid-December and at the end of March. Payment of the first instalment will be dependent upon your Autumn Semester attendance and progress, and payment of the second instalment will be dependent upon your Spring Semester attendance and progress.
