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Your finances

Student support from York St John

The University can offer financial assistance through the Student Support Fund.

Postcards for Student Funding Advice team, alongside a phone showing the Blackbullion app.

The aim of this support is to help with unexpected financial difficulties.

It is not intended to be used as a primary funding source, but rather to help you regain control of your financial situation.

York St John Student Support Fund

To apply for the Student Support Fund, you must meet our eligibility criteria. Eligibility will depend on your circumstances and whether you are a UK Home or international/EU student.

Expand the drop-down below to read our criteria and apply to the fund if you are eligible:

The fund supports students and postgraduate researchers facing unexpected financial challenges.

We aim to make the application process as straightforward and non-intrusive as possible. However, providing certain documents is an essential part of our evidence-based assessment process. We understand that gathering supporting documents can feel burdensome, but they help us assess your circumstances accurately and process your application fairly.

Before you apply

Awards from the fund are discretionary and are not guaranteed. Please do not assume that your application will be successful or that you will receive a particular amount. Award amounts can vary and may change during the academic year. Any support awarded is normally non-repayable.

The fund cannot provide support towards tuition fees. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your tuition fees, we recommend contacting the Finance team to discuss your circumstances. You can contact them through the Student Hub.

When to apply

You can apply at any time during the academic year, while funding is available.

We aim to assess applications as quickly as possible. Please allow up to 21 working days after we receive your application and all required supporting evidence.

Apply to the YSJ Student Support Fund

The International Student Support Fund provides discretionary financial support to fee-paying overseas and EU students who:

  • Live in the UK
  • Are not eligible for a Maintenance Loan from Student Finance
  • Are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties that have arisen since the start of their course

We aim to make the application process as straightforward and non-intrusive as possible. However, providing certain documents is an essential part of our evidence-based assessment process. We understand that gathering supporting documents can feel burdensome, but they help us assess your circumstances accurately and process your application fairly.

Before you apply

Awards are discretionary and are not guaranteed. Please do not assume that your application will be successful or expect a specific amount.

Award amounts can vary and may change during the academic year. Any support awarded is usually non-repayable.

The fund cannot provide support towards tuition fees. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your tuition fees, we recommend contacting the Finance team to discuss your circumstances. You can contact them through the Student Hub.

What is an unforeseen circumstance?

  • Unexpected temporary reduction in income 
  • Change in sponsors circumstances where they are no longer able to support you financially
  • Injury which has significantly impacted your finances 
  • Being a victim of crime or fraud, which involved a significant loss
  • Unexpected travel home due family reasons, serious illness, death of close family member
  • Unexpected change in your accommodation situation which resulted in a loss

This is not an exhaustive list and if you are unsure whether you should apply, please contact the Student Funding Advice team to discuss your circumstances via the Student Hub.

 What is not classed as an unforeseen circumstance?

  • Unable to pay your tuition fees
  • Change in currency exchange rates 
  • Your family members are in need of financial support 
  • Mismanagement of your funds leading to financial hardship

When to apply

You can apply at any time during the academic year, while funding is available.

We aim to assess applications as quickly as possible. Please allow up to 21 working days after we receive your application and all required supporting evidence.

Apply to the YSJ Student Support Fund

Evidence requirement during application process

During the application process, you'll be required to upload your supporting evidence.

  • Evidence of any income. For example, Student Finance entitlement letter for 2026-27 academic year.
  • Tenancy agreement for 2026-27 (full document), letter from landlord, mortgage statement if you own your home or signed letter from home confirming how much you are paying.
  • The last three months bank statements for all accounts in your name including any UK, overseas or online bank accounts. The covering period will be from the date you submitted your application e.g., submit application on the 15 February, you will be required to upload your bank statements from the 15 November to 15 February.
  • If applicable, partners last three months bank statements for all accounts held in their name.
  • If you are an international student, evidence of the circumstances that have impacted your financial situation.

Examples of bank accounts:

  • Student accounts - Santander 123, TSB, HSBC, Lloyds, Revolute, Monzo, Nationwide, Plumb
  • Current and joint accounts 
  • Savings – ISAs Fixed rate, easy access, notice accounts

Bank statement format

Exported bank statements from an online bank account or scanned bank statements in a PDF format. Please note, we do not accept screenshots from mobile phones or excel spreadsheets. 

If you are unsure on how to export your latest transactional data, please visit your banks website for guidance on how to do this. 

Blackbullion

York St John have subscribed to Blackbullion which is an award-winning financial wellbeing resource which offers free online advice to help students with money skills for life. Blackbullion has already benefited many York St John students by providing content on preparing for university, student lifestyle, making a budget work, future proofing and more. 

You can register by using your York St John email address on the Blackbullion website.

When you sign up to Blackbullion and complete the Financial Wellbeing Score, you will see where you are at, get a clear plan forward and step into your future with confidence.

For more information on Blackbullion, please watch Your student money coach right in your pocket (YouTube).

Blackbullion money manager app

Blackbullion also have a money manager app that can help you manage your money with confidence. It enables you to create your own budget and provides spending insights and suggested areas where you can save. The more you use the app, the more bullions you will be rewarded which can be exchanged for prizes.

Alternative shopping options

The apps below can help you to save money on your food.

  • Too Good to Go: Find discounts on surplus food at local shops and restaurants.
  • Olio: Pick up items that are no longer needed from people who live nearby.
  • No Waste: Track, organise and manage the food in your home to reduce waste.
  • Trolley.co.uk: Compare prices across supermarkets and save money on your everyday shopping.

Short-term food assistance

If you find yourself in an unexpected situation without food, the University can offer support through short-term emergency food assistance. This support is designed to help relieve immediate pressure during this difficult time.

If you require immediate food support, please contact the Student Funding Advice team via the Student Hub, as the university has a stock of non-perishable food items available.