Need help with living costs? The Student Support Fund is now open

At the University of Birmingham, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your academic journey. We understand that financial challenges – especially with the rising cost of living – can make it difficult to focus on your studies. That is why we want to make sure you know about all the financial support available to you.

Have you heard about the Student Support Fund (SSF)?

The SSF offers non-repayable financial support to help with essential living and course-related costs. And great news — applications are now open for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students as of Monday 3 November 2025.

When should you apply?

You should apply to the SSF if you are struggling to meet your basic living costs. All current, registered University of Birmingham students are eligible to apply — this includes Doctoral Researchers who are in the Thesis Awaited (writing up) stage.

Think of the SSF as a safety net or last resort. You should apply only if you have already accessed all other statutory financial support available to you. Unfortunately, if you have not done this, your application will not be eligible for an award from the SSF.

Please note that the SSF cannot be used to pay tuition fees under any circumstances. The Fund is designed solely to assist with living costs.

What are the rules?

The application criteria vary depending on your student status:

• Home students: You must have already accessed all statutory financial support available to you. For example, you should be in receipt of the maximum student loan (undergraduate or postgraduate) or NHS Bursary to which you are entitled.

• International students: As part of your visa conditions, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs while studying in the UK. However, you may apply to the SSF if you are facing exceptional, one-off circumstances that cannot be covered elsewhere.
  Examples include emergency travel costs, unforeseen visa-related expenses, or short-term costs arising from internationally recognised crises. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Want to learn more?

Watch this short video from our Student Content Shapers explaining how the SSF works: Student Support Fund explained.

Find out more on how to submit your application.

Anytime you’re worried about your finances, you can call the UBHeard helpline on 0800 917 9379.