Supporting Students In Financial Hardship Through The Living Cost Support Fund (Hardship Fund) And The Su’s Emergency Loan Service

There are two financial support systems in place for students’ who are struggling financially. They are the Living Cost Support Fund (LCSF) and the SU’s Emergency Loan service.

Living Cost Support Fund (Lcsf) / Hardship Fund

The Living Cost Support Fund (LCSF) is a University scheme that exists thanks to generous donations from alumni and friends, who want to ensure that no Manchester student is left struggling. If you are struggling financially, particularly if you are experiencing financial hardship, we would strongly encourage you to apply for support.

The fund is open to all students, regardless of level of study or nationality. Awards from the fund are non-repayable, and can be up to a maximum value of £2,000. Please note, the fund is not able to provide support with tuition fees.

Below are two sets of information: first, an update on how much funds have been paid to students since March 2020; and secondly, how to make an application to the LCSF.

Update On Hardship Fund Distributed To Students From March 2020 To December 2020

Successful Application – Undergraduate Students (UG)

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Note: UK students have received £74,000; EU students £17,450 and International students £18,250.

Successful Applications – Postgraduate Taught Students (PGT)

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Note: UK students have received £22,000; EU students £5,450 and International students £18,350.

Successful Applications – Postgraduate Research Students (PGR/PhD)

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Note: UK students have received £5,950; EU students £1,600 and International students £26,500.

How to apply for the Living Cost Support Fund (LCSF)

You will be asked to submit relevant documentation in support of your application, so it will help speed up the application process if you can have these to hand when applying. The minimum requirement in terms of documentation is 3 months of bank statements for all bank accounts, a copy of your tenancy agreement and proof of funding (e.g., your Student Finance notification). Depending on your individual circumstances there may be specific documentation you are asked to provide, please refer to the checklist for full details.

Apply for the hardship fund online here.

Also, if you want a step-by-step guide to completing the application process kindly check here.

For more information or clarification regards the Living Cost Support Fund, please contact the University’s Funding Team at funding@manchester.ac.uk.

SU Emergency Loan Service

The SU Emergency loan service provides up to £100 payable loan to students who need some funds to cater for an emergency need within “48 hrs” and can pay back by an agreed date. This service is also opened to all students.

How to apply:

• A student in need contacts the SU advisers via 01612752952 or advice.su@manchester.ac.uk.
• The student sets up a standing order to repay on an agreed date
• Students are offered this loan at most within 48 hours (mostly within 24 hours).

We provide students with the advice on how to set up a standing order. For more information or clarification, please contact advice.su@manchester.ac.uk