UKCISA – Championing International Student Welfare
UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, is an independent charity with nearly six decades of dedicated service to international learners. It provides expert advice on immigration, fees, visas, employment rights, welfare issues, and unexpected hardship. Through advocacy, training, and grants, UKCISA supports over 400 member institutions, empowering universities to deliver high-quality care and resources to students from around the world.
University-Specific Humanitarian Scholarships
Several UK universities have launched special scholarship schemes for students fleeing conflict or persecution:
University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships offer tuition fees, living expenses, and visa support to students affected by armed conflict, with up to five full-cost scholarships for 2025 entry.
UCL Humanitarian Scholarships provide full tuition, maintenance, health surcharge, visa fees, and a return flight, primarily for full-time postgraduate students escaping genuine conflict or displacement.
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships assist those with refugee status or under humanitarian protection, including some Ukrainians with EU-based temporary protection.
These initiatives cover the full spectrum of study costs and living expenses, often demand-proofing students against financial and legal barriers caused by displacement.
Hardship Funds at Universities
Most universities operate international hardship funds, providing up to approximately £1,000 per academic year to students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties—whether from visa delays, emergency accommodation needs, or personal crises. Institutions such as the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich actively maintain such funds as emergency support for their international student community.
Government-Backed Hardship Funding
Recognising the growing cost-of-living strain, the UK government has allocated £15 million in hardship funding specifically for international students. This sum is distributed via universities to those experiencing financial hardship, covering essentials such as rent, food, and transport. Funds are granted on a case-by-case basis, based on student need.
Additional Charitable & External Support
Beyond institutional schemes, several UK charities and trusts offer bursaries and grants to international students:
Sidney Perry Foundation provides small grants for undergraduate and postgraduate students in genuine need.
International Students House (London), a dedicated charitable residence, offers bursaries and scholarships worth over £800,000 annually, along with welfare, accommodation, and community engagement.
Other trusts and philanthropic bodies may offer small awards, tuition assistance, or hardship grants; students are encouraged to explore university external funding pages for eligibility details.
Welfare Benefits & Refugee Grants
While international students are generally ineligible for mainstream UK welfare benefits, those with recognised refugee status, humanitarian protection, or discretionary leave may access specific welfare support. University student services, UKCISA, Citizens Advice, and legal centres can guide students in navigating entitlement and application processes.
Emergency & Pandemic-Era Support
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities adopted enhanced support measures, including emergency financial aid, free food banks, and mental health services specifically for international students. These remain available today, and UKCISA continues to promote best practices in providing humanitarian and welfare support.
What You Should Do if You Face Hardship
International students experiencing financial difficulty should:
Contact their university’s student support or student union services for hardship funds.
Approach UKCISA or university advisers for advice on eligibility, visas, and available grants.
Search university webpages under “international student funding” to discover emergency or refugee scholarships.
For refugee or displacement situations, also explore UCAS guidance and charity grants tailored to displaced students.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK comes with unique challenges, and the nation recognises this by providing humanitarian assistance and financial support to international students in need. The combination of university hardship funds, dedicated scholarships, charitable grants, and expert support services ensures that help is available at each stage—whether you are facing sudden hardship, fleeing conflict, or seeking mental health support.
Need Personalised Help?
At Universitio, we understand the stress of navigating complex funding and welfare systems abroad. We offer free one-to-one consultations to guide you through scholarship applications, hardship fund access, and personal support services so you can focus on your studies and well-being. Book your free consultation today and get the tailored support you deserve.
