If you're facing unexpected financial difficulty in 2024/25, we may be able to help you.

The Overseas Emergency Access Fund provides limited discretionary financial support for full-time International and EU (pre-settled) students who are experiencing financial difficulty and are in need of emergency funding.

It is available for the 2024/25 academic year, and most awards from the fund don't need to be repaid.

About the Overseas Emergency Access Fund
  • The fund is intended to support a temporary financial difficulty rather than be a main source of income. Awards are discretionary and even if you meet the criteria, awards are not guaranteed. 
  • The size of the fund is limited and we may not be able to meet your need in full or guarantee that funds will be available, especially towards the end of an academic year.
  • Changes in exchange rates are not usually considered unexpected. Some costs should be determined before study. For example, rent costs should be agreed before the commencement of the academic year. If you're repeating your course then there must be extenuating circumstances.
Eligibility for the Overseas Emergency Access Fund is restricted to EU (pre-settled) and International fee status undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the criteria below.


Criteria

Eligibility is based on:

  • Having made realistic provision before the start of your course to fund both tuition fees and living costs for the full duration of your course. Proof will be needed when you apply. These arrangements should have been affected by unforeseen circumstances or events beyond your control, after starting University.
  • Being fully registered and in full-time attendance at Bath Spa University.
  • EU (pre-settled status) or international student in attendance on a programme lasting one year (for example an MA) or in the final year of an undergraduate or PhD programme. If you've studied for more than one year before you complete your course then the difficulty must be short-term. 
  • Demonstrating you meet the criteria on the application form.
  • Showing that you have exhausted all other sources of international funding available to you, for example government study loans. 

Supporting documentation

Supporting documentation is required in all cases. The documentation required will vary depending on the circumstances of your case and must be supplied with your application. Only use attachments. Please do not link to any documents.

Photos of supporting documentation are acceptable. In certain circumstances, you may be contacted separately and asked to supply relevant original documents.

The full requirement details are available on the application form.

How to apply

  • Request an application form by emailing studentawards@bathspa.ac.uk. Please include a brief explanation of why you want to apply.
  • If you are continuing your studies with us, the fund is open for applications from semester one. However, new students are not expected to apply until semester two onwards.

Personal data

You'll need to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria, which will mean providing personal information in your email to request an application form.

This will be treated in confidence and not shared without permission. However, you may be referred for additional support as appropriate, such as to Student Wellbeing Services.

What happens next

  • If your application isn't complete, or further information and documents are needed, you'll be contacted via email within five working days. This may extend the time taken to make a decision on your application.
  • Once a decision has been made, we'll email you to let you know the outcome of your application. If you're granted an award, we'll provide full details on how you'll receive it.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this award, please email studentawards@bathspa.ac.uk.