Student Money Advice Team

  1. Unilife
  2. Student Money Advice Team
  3. Financial Difficulties
  4. Student Support Fund

Student Support Fund

The Student Support Fund can offer support to UK students who are experiencing financial difficulties. EU and International students are usually not eligible to apply and should make an appointment with an adviser to discuss their situation.

It is important to recognise that the Fund has been established to act as a safety net and not to fund expensive lifestyle choices. If you have expenses such as a mobile charges, holidays, gym membership, Sky digital, or non-essential car costs, you will be expected to be able to pay for these yourself. 

As a student, it is essential that you live within your means and take steps to increase your income and decrease your expenditure.

Please note that an award from the Fund is not an automatic entitlement. The Student Support Fund is subject to review and as such, it is not guaranteed to be available every academic year or during the whole of an academic year.

Applications for academic year 19/20 will open on 30th September 2019. Applications to the fund close 6 weeks prior to the end of your studies. 


Please read the guidance notes carefully before completing your application and look at the checklist to see what evidence you will need to provide. Book an appointment if you would like to get it checked before submission, or need help with the form.

Student Support Fund Printable form

Student Support Fund- Electronic fillable form

Completed forms can be emailed directly to the Student Support Fund team e-mail: studentsupportfund@southwales.ac.uk.

Download  an application process for a timeline of your application for the Student Support Fund Scheme.

Review and Appeal Process

If you are unhappy with the decision made by the Panel, you may either appeal against the decision, or if your financial circumstances have changed since the submission of your application form, you can ask the Panel to review your case.

Review Process

  • Have there been any changes in your income/expenditure since you completed your application or has there been a change in your circumstances (e.g. changes in employment hours, housing, debts)? If so, please complete   Review Sheet  explaining these changes and how they have affected your financial position, including any evidence. The Panel can then review the case in light of this new information.

Appeal Process

  • If you are happy that all of the information contained in your application is correct and your circumstances have not changed, you may wish to appeal against the decision made by the Panel.
  • If you would like to submit an Appeal, please notify us in the first instance. You will be offered help and support from a Money and Support Adviser with this process.
  • If you decide to not meet with an Adviser, please submit your Appeal Letter outlining why you feel you should receive assistance/further assistance to studentsupportfund@southwales.ac.uk, citing ‘Student Support Fund Appeal’ in the subject line.
  • Once received, your appeal will be passed to the Student Support Fund Panel who will re-consider your case. If the Panel uphold their original decision then the appeal will be passed to the Student Support Fund Committee.
  • If the Student Support Fund Committee uphold the Panel’s decision, then your case will be considered by the Director of Student Services.
  • Once an appeal has been received, a decision will normally be communicated to you within 20 working days.

If you are unsure whether a review or appeal is the best course of action, you can book an appointment with a Money and Support Adviser, who will be able to assist you.

If you wish to arrange an appointment with an Adviser please book online via Advice Zone Online or call (01443) 483778.

Complaints Process

Students who have submitted an appeal and are unhappy with the decision may wish to consider submitting a complaint to the University.