Today, UCAS has announced it is expanding its application fee waiver to cover care leavers up to age 26 across the UK from the 2027 cycle, in a bid to encourage more to apply to university or college.
It is well understood that care leavers can face specific challenges when considering and deciding on their options, including a lack of family or financial support. By waiving the fee, UCAS aims to make it easier for more care leavers to take that next step and apply to higher education. Sharing their information earlier will also mean universities and colleges can offer them tailored support throughout the application process and before they start their course.
NNECL warmly welcomes UCAS’ application fee waiver for care leavers. By removing costs and simplifying the university application process, demonstrates what is possible when the student experience is truly at the center of systemic change. This is crucial, not just for care leavers, who face persistent barriers to higher education and opportunity, but for society, which benefits when every young person can realise their potential. We hope this inspires action to remove the remaining systemic barriers that care leavers face from enrolment to graduation and beyond.
We will keep NNECL members updated on the implementation of the waiver and any subsequent training to ensure that young people, their trusted adults and advisers are well prepared for the 2027 application cycle.
