Humanitarian Response Fund
The Humanitarian Response Fund is £100,000 pledged by the University to aid current students facing financial difficulties due to conflicts or crises in their home countries. The fund helps cover unexpected shortfalls in living costs and exceptional caring responsibilities where the incident directly impacts the student’s ability to continue their studies.
Value
Grants will support living costs up to £5,000, in addition to any College awards and the University's standard financial assistance award of £3000 for the academic year 2025–26. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for Financial Assistance Funds and the Crane Medical Fund.
Eligibility guidance
- Current University of Cambridge students from zones of conflict and humanitarian crises (UNICEF Level 2 and Level 3 Emergencies List)*. Currently (as of September 2026), Sudan, Palestine, Nepal, Venezuela, South Sudan, Iran and Lebanon.
- Current University of Cambridge students with Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Humanitarian Protection status. Applicants who are able to evidence they have a valid Asylum Registration Card or Biometric Residence Permit would also be eligible for support.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students who have valid permission to remain in the UK and where the situation in their home country prevents them from travelling home and they are forced to remain in Cambridge.
*Note: The HRF primarily adheres to the UNICEF Level 2 and Level 3 Emergencies list. The International Response Team (IRT) will reserve the right to make exceptions as deemed appropriate.
Support will be available for child dependents who reside with the student and for other exceptional caring responsibilities where such support is required to enable the student to complete their studies.
There is no restriction on the number of times a student can apply for support. Although, if there are limits on the available resources, funds will be targeted at those most in need, and those who have not previously received support.
How to apply
Before completing the application form, please ensure you follow these steps:
- Use the Humanitarian Response Fund form (docx) to draft your responses and share them with your College Tutor before applying
- Read the eligibility guidance above carefully.
- Complete the application form.
Assessment
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis by the International Response Task Force. Outcomes will normally be communicated within 2 weeks.
Duration
The Fund will remain in operation for the rest of the calendar year.
Contact
Please contact the International Response Team using the email address internationalresponse@admin.cam.ac.uk if you have any questions about your eligibility and the application process.