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Financial aid appeal letter

Use this when an offer leaves a gap you cannot cover, your circumstances have changed, or another institution has offered more. Keep it short and factual, attach evidence, and send it to the office named in your offer letter. An appeal is a request, not a demand, and the answer may still be no.

Letter you can adapt

Subject: Request to review my [scholarship / financial aid] offer, [student or application ID]

Dear [Name of financial aid or scholarships office],

Thank you for offering me a place on [programme] starting [month, year], together with [the award and amount]. I would very much like to accept.

I am writing to ask whether the offer could be reviewed. [Choose the reason that applies and give the facts:]
- Since I applied, [the change: e.g. a parent lost their job in March 2027], which has reduced the support my family can give by about [amount] a year.
- I have received an offer from [other institution] of [amount], which leaves a smaller gap. A copy is attached.
- My budget for the year, including [fees, rent, visa costs], comes to [amount]. After the award and my own savings of [amount], I am short by [amount].

I have attached [list the documents]. I would be grateful to know whether any further support is available, or whether I could be considered for [named fund, bursary or hardship scheme, if you know of one].

I understand that awards are limited, and I appreciate your time. I am happy to provide anything else you need.

Yours sincerely,
[Full name]
[Student or application ID]
[Email and phone]

Attach evidence for each claim

  • Your offer letter or award notice
  • Documents showing the change in circumstances, if that is your reason
  • The competing offer, if you mention one
  • A one-page budget for the year with your sources of money
  • Any form the office asks you to use for appeals

Before you send it

  1. Check the university website for an appeals or special circumstances process and use it if one exists.
  2. Find the deadline for accepting the offer, and ask whether it can wait while the appeal is considered.
  3. Read the letter for tone: factual, polite and brief, with no pressure or criticism.
  4. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.

Large fixed scholarships set by governments or foundations rarely change their amounts. Appeals are more likely to succeed with a university's own awards and need-based aid.