To be eligible for the Beyond Sanctuary Hardship Fund (BSHF), you must meet all of the following criteria: 

• Be a current, registered student at the University of Kent. 
• Be studying on a full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate course. 

• Be one of the following: 
• An asylum seeker, or 
• A refugee, or 
• A student with non-settled immigration status, or 
• A student who has been granted settled status within the last three years. 

• Be able to demonstrate financial hardship and a need for support with essential costs related to learning. 

Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds must be used only for the purpose stated in the application. The University may request evidence of how the funds have been spent. Providing false or misleading information may result in the withdrawal of the award and possible disciplinary action. To support further fundraising we ask all applicants and those that receive funds to complete a statement of thanks which can be anonymous for us to demonstrate the value of the hardship fund to previous, current and future doners.

You may receive up to £500 per academic year from this fund. 

Applications to this fund will open at 9am on Monday 2nd February 2026 and close at midnight on Friday 19th June 2026.

If you feel you are eligible please email sswoutreachsupport@kent.ac.uk and we will provide the necessary link. 

• You must complete an application form and provide any supporting evidence requested including bank statements or receipts of an unexpected cost you have encountered; or provide the cost of a field trip or educational equipment need.
• Your application needs to be made on Blackbullion. If you do not already have a Blackbullion login, you can set one up for free. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the  Blackbullion platform, email support@blackbullion.com. The University cannot assist with technical queries.
• As part of the application process, you will be asked to state how much money you need and to provide a breakdown of these costs. 
• You will be asked to provide a statement detailing the unforeseen circumstances which has led to your current financial situation. This is your opportunity to tell us what has happened and how we can help. Please do let us know what impact your situation is having on your studies and wellbeing.  If you have already discussed your circumstances with a member of staff in Student Welfare or Student Support and Wellbeing, you can indicate this on the form.
• During the application process you will also be asked to upload bank statements covering the previous 30 days from all current and savings accounts.  
• When assessing an application, we will consider whether the situation was foreseeable, whether you have other sources of funding and savings and the impact on your studies. 

Awards from the Beyond Sanctuary Hardship Fund (BSHFG) may be used for essential items and costs that support your learning, which may include (but are not limited to): 

• Study materials (e.g. books, stationery, printing)
• IT or digital access (e.g. laptop, software, internet access) 
• Course-related equipment or resources
• Travel costs necessary for attending lectures, seminars, placements, or exams
• Other essential learning-related expenses, at the discretion of the University 

The fund cannot be used for non-essential or luxury items or to pay accommodation fees to University managed or owned accommodation. 

Please be aware that awards are not guaranteed and are subject to: demonstrated need, availability of funds and assessment by the University.

Receiving an award in one term does not automatically guarantee funding in subsequent terms. You must apply separately for each term and there must be a relevant need.  

 Awards can be in the form of cash or vouchers.

Provided that an application form has been accurately completed, and the appropriate documentary evidence supplied, an assessment and decision will be made within 20 working days of submission.

Review 

If your application is unsuccessful and you believe there is further evidence for us to consider then you can request a review by the Assistant Director (Student Life) or in their absence the Head of Development and Alumni Engagement. Review requests without further evidence will not be considered. 

Complaints 

Any complaints regarding the management of the funds and procedures should be sent to the Assistant Director (Student Life) in the first instance who will try to resolve any issues informally. If you are not satisfied with this then you can make a complaint to the Appeals, Conduct and Complaints team.