Hardship bursaries

HARDSHIP BURSARIES

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Supporting students in financial hardships

At the University of Kent, many students encounter unexpected financial challenges that put their education at risk. Rising living costs, the lack of family financial support, and the difficulty of balancing studies with work have left hundreds of students struggling to afford rent, food, and essential study materials.

This academic year alone, over 350 students have reached out to Kent Union for financial assistance, and 218 have applied for the Access to Learning Fund. These numbers reflect a stark reality—more and more students are facing severe financial hardship, which threatens their ability to continue their studies.

The challenges students face

For many students, financial difficulties arise from multiple factors. The increasing cost of living has left some unable to cover basic expenses. Others come from low-income backgrounds or single-parent households and receive little to no financial support. Many struggle to balance part-time work with demanding academic schedules, while others face additional challenges due to health conditions or unexpected expenses.

For postgraduate and international students, financial barriers can be even greater, limiting their opportunities to fully engage with their education. Some students must make difficult decisions—choosing between attending university or taking on extra work to survive.

Phoebe’s Story

Phoebe, a 27-year-old disabled student, found herself in an impossible situation. Managing her disability was already challenging, but the rising cost of living made it even harder for her to afford rent, groceries, and essential study materials.

With the support of a hardship bursary, Phoebe was able to cover her basic needs, easing her financial worries and allowing her to focus on her studies. Without this vital support, she may have been forced to pause or abandon her education altogether.

Medway Student Support Fund

For over two decades, the University of Kent has been breaking down barriers to higher education in Medway—an area where many young people face significant economic disadvantage. 

In 2014, a generous anonymous donor established the Medway Student Support Fund to help students on our Medway campus overcome financial hardship and achieve their academic ambitions.

Since then, the Fund has provided over £650,000 in bursaries to 480 students, offering vital support such as help with rent, travel costs, course materials and essentials for their families.

By making a gift today, you can provide a lifeline to those determined to transform their lives through education.

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Your support can make a difference

Hardship bursaries provide a crucial lifeline for students in crisis, ensuring they can continue their education without the constant burden of financial distress. By making a gift today, you can directly impact the lives of students like Phoebe, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings hope and security to students facing uncertainty. Together, we can ensure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of a student's future.

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