International Student Support Fund (ISSF)
The International Student Support Fund offers non-repayable awards to international students who require additional financial support due to unexpected circumstances.
Students are expected to show that you made adequate financial provision for your fees and living costs before starting your course.
The limited size of the fund means that students are unlikely to receive more than £1,500.00. Please be aware that this is a maximum award, and it is not guaranteed.
- The fund is intended to support short-term living costs only.
- The fund is not available as a bursary, scholarship, or stipend.
- Applications are unlikely to be considered where the reason for application to the fund is due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
To Apply
Applications for the academic year 24/25 are now open.
Applications will only be assessed once the following criteria is met:
- You are an enrolled Swansea University student on a FT or PT course.
- The online application must be completed in full.
- All supporting evidence is provided in support of your completed application. Please see here for assistance with evidence.
If you are in your final year, you must submit your application at least 5 weeks before your course end date.
Evidence of your circumstances should be limited to official documentation only and uploaded to an application form. Please do NOT send any evidence via email unless requested. Any evidence sent via email without request will be deleted in compliance with GDPR regulations
Examples of reasons to apply:
- Bereavement, including death of a sponsor.
- Natural disaster, political crisis or war in a student's home country relating in termination of sponsorship.
- Illness or accident resulting in extension of study.
- Injury which has significantly impacted your finances.
- Being a victim of crime involving significant loss.
- Unexpected travel home.
- Unexpected extension of study beyond students’ control. (e.g. Where the student has been the subject of extenuating circumstances).
This list is not exhaustive, if you are unsure whether you should apply and would like further guidance, please email hardshipfunds@swansea.ac.uk
Processing Times
All applications are processed by the Hardship Funds team once you have submitted your completed application, along with all supporting evidence.
It can take 15 working days from date of submission for an initial assessment to be made. During busier periods, the assessment time may be longer. If further information is required, a final decision on your application will take longer.
Please note awards from the fund are NOT guaranteed.
Students must use their student email when contacting any of the Money@CampusLife or Hardship Funds inboxes or members of staff.
The Money@CampusLife team is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We welcome applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including skin colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion and belief, gender, sexual orientation.
Applications are processed in line with the procedures set out in the ISSF Guidance of Swansea University.