If you are experiencing an emergency funding situation and are a full time non-UK students registered at the University of Kent and eligible to pay tuition fees at the ‘overseas’ rate, you may be able to apply to the International Hardship Fund (IHF).

The IHF fund can provide up to £1000 financial support per year to students experiencing emergency situations.

Complete the application form and email it to the Financial Aid Office with all the supporting documents.

The fund cannot be used for payment of tuition fees.  Also applications are unlikely to be successful where there is an outstanding tuition fee debt.

Please note that the fund is limited. Applications (once open) will be accepted up to 14 June 2024 or until the funds have been used, whichever comes sooner.

Applications from 1st year Tier 4/Student visa route students will be considered but it is unlikely that they will be made an award. This is because they would have had to provide evidence that they have made adequate provision to pay their tuition fees and living costs before they started their course.

Applications are unlikely to be considered where students are in receipt of a US, Canadian or government loan or where the reason for application to the fund is due to fluctuations in exchange rates.

Provided that an application form has been accurately completed, the appropriate documentary evidence supplied, and an email or virtual discussion with a senior member of the Finance Office has taken place, a decision will be made within 20 working days of submission. 

Awards will be paid directly into a student’s UK bank account.   

Students who are unsuccessful in their application may appeal against the decision. Any appeal must be made in writing within 4 weeks from the date of the original decision marked CONFIDENTIAL and sent by email to FinancialAid@kent.ac.uk.

All information held with your IHF application will be reviewed by the Head of Student Financial Services where an independent decision from the original assessment will be made.