SAC Learning

The Discretionary Fund (formerly known as the Hardship Fund) is an additional source of financial support, provided by the UK Government and administered by SAC, to assist students who are experiencing particular financial difficulties.

Awards from this fund can be granted to assist with accommodation, travel, course costs and other general living costs. 

Such awards are not intended to be a primary source of income and you are expected to have exhausted all other sources of finance available to you, before applying. 

You can apply to the Discretionary Fund at any time of the academic year, and it is possible to apply more than once in any academic year if necessary.

Please note that you must be a "home student" in order to be eligible to apply to the Discretionary Fund. This normally means that you must have been “ordinarily resident” in the UK throughout the 3 years immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of your course.

It does not include non-UK citizens who have been resident in the UK totally or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education. Other eligibility criteria are given in the guidance notes.

How do I apply to the Discretionary Fund?

Guidance notes and an application form are available from the Education Office at your campus. If you need additional advice, please contact the Senior Tutor at your campus.