More than half a million pounds has been made available for students who have been hit by financial difficulties as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Birmingham City University has announced the launch of its COVID-19 Hardship Fund, which will see students who have fallen on hard times handed emergency grants of £200.
The funding package will provide support for up to 2,500 students who are unable to purchase essential food or other key items due to losing their regular part-time employment, parental or other financial support.
The University has stepped in to support students as people around the country experience the impact of the pandemic.
The launch of this fund should provide some emergency relief for those who have been hardest hit.”
Applications are open to UK, EU students following a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course on campus. International students who are still residents in the UK will also be eligible.
To qualify for the scheme applicants must be:
- A fully-enrolled student of the University; and
- Following a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught or research course on campus; and
- Struggling to afford essential food items having lost their regular part-time employment, parental or other financial support due to the coronavirus crisis.
Ivona Hadzhiyska, Students’ Union President added: “We are really pleased to have been able to work with the University on making this emergency funding available to our students, and we hope it will provide some relief for students who are struggling to buy food or other essential items.”
Students will not be eligible to make an application if they:
- Are no longer a resident in the UK and have returned to their home country
- Have outstanding tuition fee debt with the University
- Are following a military, apprenticeship or Teach First course
- Are studying on a BCUIC or franchise course.