Specific circumstances for Care Leavers

Pre-application

Going to university is a great experience and it is wonderful that you are considering this.

Some universities offer specific additional support, including financial, full care leavers so in considering where you want to study interested in this helpful to make specific enquiries universities.

More information can be found on the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers website.

Eligibility for Financial Support

• you must have first completed BTEC level 3, Access to Higher Education, or A levels 
• you must be enrolled on a course of higher education, which includes first degree and higher education qualifications that are over 12 hours per week of study, including some distance learning courses.
• the course must last for at least 2 academic years, or 1 year in the case of the Access to Higher Education course
• you must commence the course of higher education prior to your 25th birthday
• you must be in receipt of Student Finance and have confirmation of your student loan and immigration status for the duration

Financial Support Offer

From 1 April 2025 with effect from the academic year of 2025/26 onwards:

• 50% towards your accommodation costs for the year, for a maximum of four years, usually three, and is for undergraduate study
• £2000 higher education bursary as set out in legislation, given over the duration of the course