About the Fund
The Loan Fund I can provide interest-free loans to current undergraduate and postgraduate students who find themselves in unexpected financial need and meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants to the fund need to be able to demonstrate that they have tried all other avenues of funding before applying to Loan Fund I.
Applications are carefully reviewed by the Committee and the application process is managed by the Student Funding and Fee Policy Team.
Before you apply
Before applying to the fund, students should ensure they have applied to all appropriate sources of funds, including the Student Loans Company, the University Financial Assistance Funds and Financial Assistance from their College or Department. Applicants to the fund should have already applied for Fee Remission.
Please ensure you read the eligibility criteria below before applying to Loan Fund I.
Quick Links for Other Support
- Undergraduate Financial Assistance Fund
- Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund
- Fee Remission
- Student Loans Company
Applicants to the fund must:
- Be current registered undergraduate or postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge
- Be able to demonstrate unforeseen financial hardship related to circumstances outside of their control
- Be able to demonstrate that they have tried all avenues of funding before applying to Loan Fund I
To apply to the fund, students should discuss their financial situation with their College Tutor to determine their suitability for the fund.
Students should then complete an application form and submit this to their College Tutor, who will submit this to the Student Funding and Fee Policy Team at financialassistance@admin.cam.ac.uk
The Student Funding and Fee Policy Team may ask for clarification relating to the application or for further information. If this is the case, the College Tutor will receive an email from the Student Funding and Fee Policy Team.
If no response is received within 28 days, we will consider the application withdrawn.
Please note that successful applicants may be required to provide a guarantor for their loan.
Where do I find the Loan Fund I application form?
Please find the application form here.
Who do I contact if I have a question regarding my application?
Please contact your College Tutor, who may be able to answer your query, or will alternatively contact the Student Funding and Fee Policy Team on your behalf.
Who can be a guarantor?
Anyone can be a guarantor. Usually, this is a family member or friend.
How do I provide a guarantor?
Please ask your guarantor to email a letter to financialassistance@admin.cam.ac.uk which provides confirmation that they will be willing to act as your guarantor.
How long will it take to process my application?
We will aim to have a response to you within one month of initial application, however this is subject to response time to any queries from the committee.
What will my repayment terms and conditions be?
These are assessed by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
I have been approved how long will it take for this to be in my bank account?
This time can vary. After we have received your signed loan agreement and you have provided your bank details, the University's Shared Financial Services will need to set you up on their systems and send you the money in their next payment run. Please note, this process can take up to 6 weeks.