UWS Hardship Fund

Every year, talented and dedicated students at the University of the West of Scotland face unexpected financial hardship that puts their education — and future — at risk. You can change that.

The UWS Hardship Fund provides emergency financial support to students who are struggling with the cost of living, housing, travel, or unforeseen personal circumstances. Your donation helps ensure that no student is forced to abandon their education due to financial crisis.

Why give

Direct Impact: 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting students in need.

Urgent Relief: Funds are distributed quickly, often helping students stay in university at a critical moment.

Fairly Allocated: Awards are based on individual assessments to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

The UWS Hardship Fund provides vital, immediate support to students facing unexpected financial challenges. Here are just a few ways your generosity has helped:

Keeping the Heat On

After the loss of their last surviving parent, a student was left to manage funeral arrangements and household expenses alone. With limited resources remaining, they faced the prospect of going without heating or electricity. A grant from the Hardship Fund provided urgent support to keep their home warm and safe during an incredibly difficult time.

Supporting Learning

A delay in SAAS funding left one student waiting for the financial support they were entitled to. The Hardship Fund stepped in to help cover costs for essential course materials and transport to placements, ensuring their education continues uninterrupted.

Emergency Accommodation

For students escaping unsafe home environments, the Fund has provided emergency housing in university halls. Our advisers then provide support to secure safe, long-term accommodation.

Essential Household Repairs

A student nurse and single mother of two faced a crisis when her washer-dryer broke down. With no means to replace it, the Hardship Fund provided support to purchase a new appliance which helped her maintain a stable home life while continuing her studies.

Urgent Travel Assistance

After a student’s wallet was stolen, they were left without money, ID, or access to their bank cards, unable to travel to work. The Fund provided a travel pass for the week, allowing them to keep their job while waiting for replacements.

Donate now