A new University hardship scheme for students impacted by COVID-19 will launch at the start of Michaelmas term. The COVID-19 Hardship Fund (CHF) will provide grants of up to £5,000 to students whose finances have been negatively affected by the pandemic since they began their studies at Oxford. Students must be facing exceptional and unexpected financial need which has led to a shortfall in their finances that they are unable to meet through other sources. The scheme is principally aimed at returning students. Students starting a course in 2020/21 will not initially be eligible to apply, with the exception of UK resident undergraduates.
The scheme also includes support for self-funded and externally funded PGR students whose research projects have been disrupted (PGR students funded by Oxford scholarships and studentships should apply instead to the COVID-19 Scholarship Extension Fund).
This is a University-wide scheme which will be administered by colleges, who will have delegated authority to assess applications and disburse grants. Application materials will be circulated to college hardship officers ahead of the start of term. This will include comprehensive administrative and assessment guidance to support college staff in administering the Fund.
Further information is available on the CHF webpage and students have been made aware of the fund via Monday’s student news.
