Funding and help
Going to university is exciting, but it can be daunting too. And if you've spent time in care, you might find it more difficult to enter higher education.
For care leavers going to university, accessing the right support during your degree journey helps you prepare to succeed from the moment you apply.
We can make it easier for you to access the support and funding you need when you apply — and you'll get ongoing personal and financial support during your course so you can concentrate on your studies.
We've signed up to the – a pledge to provide support for care leavers.
Getting care leaver support
To get care leaver support, you just need to declare your care status on your UCAS application.
If you haven't applied yet or you've already submitted your application, you can contact us to let us know you're a care leaver by email at independent@port.ac.uk or by phoning 023 9284 3076.
We'll only use this information to give you the support you need — it won't affect how we assess your application.
How we support you
Here's a summary of the help and support you'll get as a care leaver when you study with us.
Housing support
Guaranteed year-round accommodation
We guarantee care leavers accommodation in a halls of residence all year round.
This means you don't have to worry about finding somewhere to live over the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.
You'll need to cover the cost of your accommodation yourself, but you could apply for a Unite Scholarship to cover your halls fees.
Unite Scholarship – a free place in halls
This scholarship gives statutory Care Leavers or estranged students a free place in a Unite hall of residence for a maximum of 3 years, and is awarded by the Unite Foundation.
Full details are available online from the . There are a limited number of these scholarships, so not everyone who's eligible will be successful, but you can get this scholarship alongside the Stand Alone Bursary or Care Leavers Bursary.
Applications for 2024/25 have now closed. Applications for 2025/26 are expected to open in January 2025.
Please contact the Student Finance Centre for more information.
You won't be able to get this scholarship on foundation, repeat or placement years
London UoP students should contact the Student Finance Centre at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú campus for advice about eligibility.
Financial support
Care Leavers Bursary
It isn't based on your income and you don't need to pay this back.
An award of £1,700 a year if you’re a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate UK student and any of the following applies:
- You've spent at least 13 weeks in care, some of which was during your teens, and you're leaving the care system in the 12 months before you start university
- You're a 'former relevant child pursuing education' – this usually means you've spent at least 13 weeks in care, some of which was during your teens, but may depend on your local authority
Recipients can also receive the University Bursary of £750 a year.
Students who are estranged from their parents (and have been assessed by Student Finance England as independent because of this) can apply for our Stand Alone bursary of £1,000 a year.
Please note you can only receive either the Care Leavers or the Stand Alone bursary.
Advice and support during your studies
A designated advisor
You'll get a designated member of staff who'll advise and guide you on your support needs the whole time you're at university. Our named adviser is Paula Bailey who can be contacted at independent@port.ac.uk
When you start your course, they'll make sure you have all the information you need to access the student support services including help with academic, disability and wellbeing needs.
Your designated advisor can also:
- Do a 'health check' on your finances
- Help you create a budget and plan your spending
- Help you access continued local authority support
You'll receive a newsletter every term so you can stay up-to-date with opportunities and events to enhance your university experience.
Careers support
Finding employment
As a care leaver, you're guaranteed an interview for a role as a University Student Ambassador.
Being a Student Ambassador is a great way to earn extra cash while promoting the benefits of university to prospective students. You'll work at events such as Open Days and higher education fairs.
You'll also get priority status on our Careers and Employability Mentoring Scheme. You'll get expert, tailored advice on getting a job and developing your career from our Careers and Employability service. This advice is available throughout your course and for 5 years after you graduate.
Eligibility for care leaver support
You can get most of this care leaver support if you've lived in care at any stage of your life. But one of the following will need to apply to you to access some of this support:
- You've spent at least 13 weeks in care, some of which was during your teens, and you're leaving the care system in the 12 months before you start university
- You're a 'former relevant child pursuing education' – this usually means you've spent at least 13 weeks in care, some of which was during your teens, but may depend on your local authority
If you're unsure of your eligibility, we can check for you – contact us by email at independent@port.ac.uk or phone us on 023 9284 3076.
Stories from our students
Moving UP
Get help with your next steps and hear from students with lived experiences of care and estrangement.
Making the transition to independent living
As a care experienced student, Erin offers advice and experiences of what it’s like to make the transition to living independently at uni
