The Hardship Fund is a means tested fund designed to help students who have fallen into short-term, unforeseen hardship to continue with their studies and complete their degree. The fund is managed and monitored by our Advice Service, independent from LSE.


SERVICE UPDATE:

Please note that effective from 12pm on 24th October 2025, the LSESU Hardship Fund is open to only all enrolled students, as opposed to registered students. We aim to review all Hardship Fund applications within 7 working days.However, during busy periods, response times may extend to 10 working days or more.

We appreciate your patience while our Advice Team carefully reviews each application to ensure fair and thorough consideration.

How can the hardship fund help me?

Whilst we consider each case on its individual merits, the main categories from which we would normally consider making an award are:

  • Emergency housing and homelessness costs
  • Immigration costs
  • Medical costs
  • Right to choose costs (e.g. one-off pre-birth costs or termination)
  • Emergency living costs

Please note, our normal maximum limit for applications is two per year, per enrolled student. 

For more details, please read the Hardship Fund Guidance Document. It is very important that you read the guidance thoroughly to avoid delays in the processing of your application. Missing information from applicants is the primary reason for applications that are delayed.

If you have any queries about the guidance, please email su.advice@lse.ac.uk.

Download guidance document

Download application form


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