Churches International Student Network (CISN)
Hardship Fund
The CISN hardship fund was set up in 1990 by the former Churches Commission for International Students (now CISN) to assist full-time international students, irrespective of their race, gender or religion, who are already in Britain and Ireland and who are facing unexpected financial problems during the final stages of their course. It is administered ecumenically on the basis of agreed criteria.
Decisions on grants are made three times a year, in February (for studies finishing April-July), June (for August-November), and October (for December-March). To allow for correspondence and processing of applications in preparation for these meetings, requests for forms (including postal address) should be made respectively by mid-December, mid April and mid August at the latest.
All grants are made at the discretion of the Hardship Fund Committee. The level of funding is dependent on funds raised for this purpose. Grants are typically £500 but do not exceed £800; the same person is not funded twice.
For criteria and details of the application process click here
Before arriving
Prepare for Success
A new interactive resource to help students discover what British academic culture and life is like, and what kind of academic skills they will need for effective study. The multimedia resource also provides considerable scope for improving English language skills.
International Student Calculator
An online calculator to help international students plan and manage their finances for studies in the UK, from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and UNIAID, with funding from the Prime Minister’s Initiative.
International Student Calculator link to external website
Education UK
Wide range of useful information from the British Council on studying in the UK, including immigration and entry requirements, health and safety, accommodation and travel.
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
Provides information on living and studying in the UK, immigration and visas, fees and funding, and working in the UK while studying.
Africa Educational Trust
As well as its Emergency Small Grants scheme (see below), it is also collaborating with the University College London (UCL) in a scheme to enable students from Africa, who are financially unable to study in the UK, to pursue undergraduate studies at UCL.
In the UK
Once here, international students may want to make contact with one or more of the following organisations:
Africa Educational Trust
Runs an Emergency Small Grants scheme for students who have come from Africa on a Student Visa and are already studying in the UK.
Host
Working with international students in UK institutions to give them a day or weekend visit in a British home.
Friends International
Building links between Christians and international students in UK.
Student Christian Movement
SCM is a network for Christian students in the UK which publishes Movement magazine.
National Union of Students
A voluntary membership organisation with local student representative organisations in colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. NUS is one of the largest student organisations in the world.
Other links
British Council
UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
World Council of Churches
Brings together 349 churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 110 countries and territories throughout the world.
Christians Aware
An international and ecumenical movement aiming to develop multi-cultural understanding, and promoting international visits and exchanges between Christians in the UK and churches around the world.
Inter Faith Network for the UK
Links organisations and works with them to promote mutual respect and understanding between the faith communities in the UK.
INFORM
An independent charity, founded in 1988 with the support of the UK Home Office, and is funded by a number of the mainline churches in the UK. INFORM strives to provide accurate information about new religious movements.
Immigration Advisory Service
Charity providing representation and advice in immigration and asylum law.
CISN Hardship Fund
Criteria and Application Process
Awards are made to applicants undertaking full-time first degree or postgraduate studies lasting a minimum of one academic year.
Awards are made to students who are within 6 months of finishing and who can show that their financial problems are unexpected and that a small grant will enable them to complete their course.
Applicants normally excluded from consideration within the Hardship Fund are:
a) permanent residents of Britain, Ireland, EU or other developed countries;
b) students who begin their course without assured funding to meet the full costs involved (tuition, accommodation, living expenses etc.);
c) students whose fees and living expenses have been covered by major award(s);
d) candidates who have not begun their studies and those who have already finished;
e) those studying outside Britain/Ireland or those requiring help for a field trip abroad;
f) asylum seekers and refugees;
g) students undertaking courses in subjects related to arms manufacture or experimentation on live animals.
Application procedure
Potential candidates who, in the light of the above criteria, believe themselves eligible should email
