Kingston University’s cash support aims to get students Back on Track

In response to growing fnancial worries, the university is helping undergraduates with short-term grants of up to £500 per year

By SARA KEENAN

Kingston University has launched a new support scheme to help undergraduate students who are struggling.

The Back on Track Fund awards up to £500 to eligible students who are struggling fnancially.

However, the university emphasised that students should only apply for the fund if it is essential, and to only request the amount that is required for their short-term issue.

There are certain critera for students to meet to qualify for the support fund: if you have a short-term fnancial issue (that is not an ongoing problem), you are a current UK undergraduate student paying home fees, you have taken the full funding available to you through Student Finance England (SFE) and you have a household income of less than £42,600 as assessed by SFE. The subsidy is limited and is only available to use a maximum of once each academic year.

“Kingston University is committed to helping all students always and amid this cost-of-living crisis,” a university spokesperson said.

“The Back on Track fund has now increased the level of fnancial help available to Kingston students and has also introduced a number of additional practical initiatives to help provide support for students during this time.”

Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the university’s Student Funding Team within fve working days. If approved, students will receive hardship payment within 10 working days.

Applications for the fund can be found on MyKingston, where you must submit proof of your student fnance, bank details and any other evidence they may require.

Help and support for students from the university in the cost-of-living crisis has not just been fnancial. The Union of Kingston Students has been ofering free breakfasts since the end of January and will continue this throughout the coming months across all campuses at the university.

Free warm spaces have also been opened across Kingston campuses, including the libraries, Penrhyn Road is additionally open 24 hours during the week.