Service

ÖH-UWK Hardship Fund

Unbureaucratic short-term bridging assistance in acute financial emergencies

We have set up new funding schemes for students of the University for Continuing Education Krems who are in particularly difficult life situations, in order to support them in continuing their studies as effectively as possible.

The ÖH-UWK Hardship Fund provides unbureaucratic bridging assistance for students at the UWK who are facing acute, verifiable financial hardship.

Funding amount:

  • Up to €750 per academic year

What can I receive support for?

Support is granted for acute, verifiable emergencies, e.g.:

  • rent arrears
  • additional electricity/heating payments (back payments)
  • medical co-payments/out-of-pocket medical costs
  • etc.

Requirements:

  • You are an ordinary member of the ÖH-UWK (valid admission/enrolment/matriculation).
  • You can plausibly explain your social need and/or the hardship situation.
  • There is an acute, verifiable emergency (supporting documents required).

Important: If reasonable, you should first apply for social funding via the ÖH Federal Representation (ÖH-Bundesvertretung).

Note: You may apply simultaneously to the Child Support Fund and the Hardship Fund (however, no double funding of the same costs).

Application process:

1) Submit the application by email

Send to: buero [at] oeh-uwk.at (buero[at]oeh-uwk[dot]at)

Subject line: Name + “Hardship Fund”

2) Attach the following documents (clearly legible scan/photo)

  • Proof of enrolment (matriculation confirmation)
  • Proof of need / proof of hardship situation
  • Eligible supporting documents (e.g., invoice/payment reminder) including the corresponding bank debit/transaction
  • Short written justification

3) Additional documents may be requested if needed.

4) Signed data protection declaration required

For processing, a signed data protection declaration is required. You can obtain it here.

Procedure & decision:

  • Formal review by the ÖH-UWK office in cooperation with the Social Affairs Department.
  • Decision by a committee according to the guidelines.
  • Processing usually takes 2–3 weeks once all documents have been received in full.
  • If funds are limited, applications are prioritized according to social need and urgency.
  • Payment only by bank transfer; information on approval/rejection is provided promptly.

Important notes:

  • Incomplete applications (missing documents/evidence) cannot be processed and/or will delay processing.
  • No legal entitlement to funding.
  • False statements lead to repayment and loss of eligibility.
  • Funding only within the limits of available budget resources.
  • A signed data protection declaration is required for processing. You can obtain it here.
  • Applying for the ÖH-UWK Child Support Bonus and the ÖH-UWK Hardship Fund at the same time is permitted.

The guideline in its currently valid version can be accessed here.