The Access to Learning Fund opens for Term 4 applications on 30th June and closes on 19th September 2025.

The Access to Learning Fund is available to UK 'Home' fee paying students. You can make one application for support in each academic term as long as you are registered and you meet the eligibility criteria set out for the main Access to Learning Fund, given on the Information Sheet.  

Overseas and EU (other than UK) students are not eligible to apply.        

The main purpose of the fund is to support students who are experiencing unexpected or unavoidable financial hardship in order to enable them to cover essential day-to-day expenses and successfully complete their studies.

Funds are limited and should not be considered as a guaranteed source of income. Applications are assessed according to the criteria set out in the guidance sheet. All awards are at the discretion of the University.

During Term 4 (the summer vacation period) only students who are still within the term-time of their course will be eligible for a standard award, except for:

-          Estranged students  (An estranged student is someone who is studying without the support or approval of their parents due to a breakdown in relationship. They will have independent student status with Student Finance England (SFE) and be under 25 years old)

-          Care leavers

-          Students that are unable to work due to disability

-          Students with children

Note: Students resitting exams are not eligible for Term 4 ALF.

First, read the Information Sheet provided below to check your eligibility.

Applications are made via Blackbullion.  If this is your first application, you will need to create an account on Blackbullion, using your University of Kent email address.

For any further queries, please contact Student Services via studentwelfare@kent.ac.uk. 

If you have difficulties in completing the application or require money advice, please contact Kent Students’ Union at advice@kent.ac.uk.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the  Blackbullion platform, email support@blackbullion.com. The univerisity cannot assist with technical queries. 

Decisions will normally be made within 15 working days from the date of application if all required documents have been received.  If further documentation is requested the decision will be made within 15 working days from when the last required document was received. 

If your application is successful, you will normally receive your payment within 7-14 calendar days. Access to Learning Fund payments are always made on a Friday. If two Fridays have passed without receiving your payment, please contact StudentServicesFinance@kent.ac.uk, who can provide you with an update.

Please refrain from emailing about when you will receive your payment until two Fridays have passed since notification of your award.

You can apply for a Kent Emergency Student Loan. For queries about the Kent Emergency Student Loan, please contact FinancialAid@kent.ac.uk. 

A student who has not been successful in their application and who believes that an error has been made in the assessment of their situation can appeal by emailing StudentServicesFinance@kent.ac.uk. Appeals cannot be submitted against the amount awarded.