Gender Expression

Fund

We’ve worked with student-led group Gender Expression Fund Exeter to create a fund supporting trans, non-binary, intersex, gender-diverse and gender non-conforming students with the cost of gender-affirming items.

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You don’t need to prove financial hardship to apply.

For current Exeter-based students

You'll need to be a current student studying on a Devon-based course.

Up to £80 available

You can apply for up to £80 towards eligible items.

Apply by 31 May 2027

Make sure we receive your application before the deadline.

What is the Gender Expression Fund?

Expressing your gender can come with additional costs. The Gender Expression Fund is here to help with the cost of gender-affirming items that might otherwise be difficult for you to access or afford.

The fund can support a range of gender-affirming items, including:

Clothing and gender-affirming items

Clothes, sportswear, underwear, chest binders and packers.

Resources

Books and other resources related to gender identity and expression.

Haircare and cosmetics

Wigs, makeup, nail polish and similar items.

Travel

Transport to medical or therapy appointments

What doesn't the fund cover

Medication, whether prescribed or bought over the counter, including steroid creams.

Medical appointments or procedures.

Therapy or counselling.

Items that aren’t directly related to expressing your gender identity or that can reasonably be accessed without support from the fund.

Not sure if your circumstances are covered?

This isn’t an exhaustive list. If you’re unsure whether something you need is covered, get in touch with us.

Can I apply?

To be eligible for the fund, you need to:

Be currently enrolled at the University of Exeter as an undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate researcher, or degree apprenticeship student.

Study on either St Luke’s or Streatham campuses.

Identify as trans, non-binary, intersex, gender diverse or gender non-conforming.

Haven’t already received the full £80 available through the fund, unless you’re experiencing exceptional circumstances

If you’re applying for a chest binder or similar item, you’ll also need to be aged 18 or over.

Students on courses provided solely by external providers, such as the University of Law, aren’t eligible for this fund.

‍If you are unsure if your circumstance meet the criteria, we encourage you to apply or contact us for guidiance

How to Apply

Applying is straightforward. Tell us a little about what you need and we’ll check whether the fund can support you.

Check your eligibility

Take a look at the criteria above and check that the fund is right for you.

Complete the application

Fill in our application form by 31 May 2027.

We review your application

We’ll check your eligibility and make sure the items you’re requesting are covered by the fund. We might contact you if we need any more information.

You'll receive a decision

We’ll email you with our decision and explain what happens next. If your application is successful, you can choose how you’d like to receive your funding.

Before you apply, you’ll need:

Your student details.
The amount you'd like to apply for.
Details of the items you'd like the fund to cover.
A little information about why you're applying.

What happens if my application is successful?

There are two ways to receive your funding. You can choose the option that works best for you when you apply.

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Route 1: Buy the items yourself and we'll reimburse you

This is usually the quicker option, but you’ll need to be able to pay for your items upfront.

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Route 2: We buy the items for you

Choose this option if you don’t want to pay for your items upfront. It can take a little longer as we’ll need to order and receive the items for you.

Route 1:
Buy your items: Once your application has been approved, you can make your purchase.

Route 2:
We place the order: Once your application has been approved, we’ll purchase the agreed items for you.

Route 1: Send us your receipt: Complete the reimbursement form and send us proof of purchase, such as a receipt.

Route 2:
We’ll let you know when they arrive: We’ll email you when your items are ready to collect from Guild reception on the first floor of Devonshire House.

Route 1:
We’ll reimburse you: Our Finance Team will process your payment. This can take up to a week once we’ve received everything we need.

Route 2:
Collect your items: Please collect your items within one month. If we haven’t heard from you after this time, we may need to reallocate them and you may need to apply again.