Financial support
The University recognises that, during the current cost of living crisis, many more students may find themselves in financial difficulties. We are trying to speed up the response time, while also dealing with more cases than normal. In addition, we are providing more funding for students and introducing a simplified approach for urgent cases.
If you find yourself in an urgent crisis, please contact Student Wellbeing Services or The Advice Hub for support. The Residence Life Team can also provide support.
As well as scholarships and bursaries, there may be other forms of financial support available to you from UK devolved governments, depending on your circumstances and eligibility. Find out more about financial support available.
Student hardship funds
UK students
Discretionary hardship fund
The University receives money every year from the Scottish Government to assist students who are experiencing financial difficulty. Money is awarded for help with living costs (not tuition fees) and is paid as a grant. The fund is discretionary. To be eligible you must:
- be a registered student either full- or part-time
- accessed the maximum student loan you are entitled to
- provide evidence of your financial situation, such as current bank statements; and
- show that you have tried to budget your finances.
Childcare fund
If you are a home full-time student and in receipt of the full student loan you are entitled to, you can apply for assistance to help pay formal registered childcare costs.
For further information, including details of how to apply, please login to your Student Portal and view the following FAQ on AskHWU.
Laptop Loan Scheme
In addition to the IT services available on Campus, Heriot-Watt University can assist students who require a laptop for their studies. Students can request a laptop on a long-term loan basis from the University. Funding for the laptops is provided by the Scottish Funding Council.
For further information, including details of how to apply, please login to your Student Portal and search for 'laptop' in AskHWU.
Overseas students studying at the Scottish campuses
The University has a limited fund to assist overseas students studying at the Scottish campuses who get into financial difficulty. Money may be awarded for help with living costs (not tuition fees) and is paid as a grant. The fund is discretionary and limited. To be eligible you must:
- be a registered student studying at the Scottish campuses
- provide evidence of your financial situation, such as current bank statements
- show that you have tried to budget your finances; and
- show that you have had exceptional circumstances that affected your financial situation.
How to apply for hardship funds
To apply for any of the student hardship funds above, please complete the Heriot-Watt University Student Hardship Application Form below.
US students
US federal loans
Please check our US Federal Loans section for more information.