What if I Need Financial Help While Studying?

Durham University’s unique collegiate system

Durham’s unique collegiate system means that you’ll always be able to talk to someone one-to-one about your money worries as each college has a Senior Tutor or Student Support Officer who can help you work through your financial issues.  They are highly experienced in dealing with a wide range of pastoral issues in total confidence and can help you with budgeting or applying to the Access to Learning Fund.

Durham Students’ Union

Durham Students’ Union also offers free confidential financial advice and debt counselling for students.  If you have severe financial problems which might lead to creditors taking legal action against you, they can also act on your behalf.

The Access to Learning Fund

Students who find themselves unexpectedly in need of financial support once they have started their course can apply for a grant or loan from the Access to Learning Fund through their college Senior Tutor or Student Support Officer.  Awards are means-tested and therefore the value of a student’s award depends on their individual circumstances.

Student Financial Support Office

If you have any questions about the types of funding available to you, need help applying for financial support from the government or assistance understanding any forms or letters relating to your student finance application please contact the University’s Student Financial Support Officer for undergraduate students.

The Student Financial Support Officer can also be contacted if you have queries about your eligibility for the Durham Grant Scheme, the Access to Learning Fund and a range of funds to support your extra-curricular personal development. Email financialsupport.undergraduate@durham.ac.uk or telephone (0191) 334 6116 (ext. 46116 from a University internal phone).