Having difficulty paying your fees?

Extenuating circumstances are unforeseen situations that significantly impact a student's ability to pay their tuition fees. These circumstances must directly affect the student's funding to be considered. Examples of qualifying circumstances include:

• Family emergencies: Such as the death or illness of a family member who provides funding.
• National economic crises: In the student's home country.
• Job loss or significant reduction in income: From the funding provider.
• Natural disasters: That directly impact the student or their funding.

Circumstances that will not be considered include:

• Lack of initial funding: Students arriving at university without any funding for their course.
• Mismanagement of personal finances: For self-funding students.
• Indirect financial issues: Situations that do not directly affect the student's income.
• Academic stress: General stress or pressure from academic studies.

Independent evidence is required to support claims of extenuating circumstances. This evidence will need to directly relate to your funding or income. This may include:

• Medical certificates or doctor's notes: For illness or injury.
• Death certificates: For family emergencies.
• Official letters or notices: Regarding job loss or reduction in income.
• Documentation: Of national crises or natural disasters from recognized authorities.

Students who wish to disclose to the University that they are unable to pay their fees should follow these steps:

1. Discuss with the Financial Operations Team: Initially, discuss your situation with the Financial Operations team and explain why you are unable to pay your fees. If you are experiencing extenuating financial circumstances, you will be referred to a Student Adviser in Student Services and asked to complete an online form.
2. Gather Evidence and complete Extenuating Financial Circumstances Form: Collect evidence of your situation to support your case, showing the impact on your income or funding. The form is available here.
3. Meet with a Student Adviser in Student Services: Consult with a Student Adviser in the Advice and Money team to discuss your reasons for being unable to pay your fees.
4. Submit Case to the Financial Operations Team: Submit your case, along with the supporting evidence, to the Financial Operations Team through your Student Adviser. The team will then renegotiate a payment plan with you.

The University recognises that some students may require additional support in managing their financial affairs and will seek to identify potential barriers caused by University systems that could negatively impact a student’s ability to engage with our services. Vulnerability does not exempt a student from paying amounts due, but the Financial Operations Team will take particular care when considering cases involving vulnerable students.

The Financial Operations Team will review all applications and supporting evidence for extenuating circumstances. Decisions will be based on the evidence provided and the specific impact on the student's ability to pay their fees. They may request additional information or evidence if needed and will then renegotiate a revised payment plan with you.

The Finance Operations Team will monitor revised payment plans and provide ongoing support to ensure that you meet the agreed payment instalments. Regular check-ins will be scheduled to assess your financial situation and offer further assistance if necessary. If agreed payments are not met, the process outlined in Section 17 of the Financial Procedures Handbook will be followed, including any relevant sanctions.

Students seeking additional support and advice can access the following resources:

• The Finance Operations Team: Responsible for the collection of tuition and accommodation fees.
• Advice and Money: Based in Student Services, offering money advice and support.
• StepChange: A debt charity offering free debt advice and solutions.
• Save the Student: A resource providing money-saving tips and financial advice for students.