SVN: Finance

Finance Overview:

Student Finance is complex, but there are experts that are available to support you. You can access the UCAS helpful toolkit dedicated to care experienced learners here and they also have a tip sheet here.

There are some things to be mindful of when investigating and applying for student finance. Here are our top tips:

Research and prepare: Before you start your application, we advise making sure you have everything that you will need to hand. This will help you apply on time without any missing documents which may cause a delay in you receiving your funding.
Apply on time: Find out the deadline and make sure you are on time. This will ensure your finance is in place when you need it.
Apply EVERY year: You do need to reapply for finance each year. Make sure you know your deadlines and remember to apply on time.
Household income: For most care-experienced students, this amount should be recorded as £0.00, which means you can receive the full student finance entitlement. However, the rules can be complex, so make sure you research the requirements carefully and understand what evidence you may need to provide.
UCAS Application Fee: From 2027, the UCAS application fee will be waived for care leavers up to age 26 across the UK
Paperwork: You might be required to confirm that the information you have provided is correct. Usually, you’ll be asked to send a letter from your local council or care authority that confirms you were under the care of your LA. So work with your PA or Key Worker to make sure you have access to everything that you will need.
Get Money Ready for University: It is really important that you understand your finances and the cost of university before you arrive. Being prepared about your finances can help you feel at ease and improve your overall well-being. Click the links below for more guidance.

Extra Help

Bursaries

Most universities and Higher Education course providers offer a financial bursary for their care experienced learners. This is a sum of money that is awarded to you but you do not need to pay it back. Check out individual websites and the Become/Propel website to see what you could be entitled to.

Bursaries can be attractive, and we understand that financial support can ease the worry you may have around student finance. However, it is important that you prioritise choosing your course and campus over a financial benefit. If the course and campus aren't right, this may impact on your happiness and well-being, which in turn could impact how well you do in your course, and may even lead to dropping out.

Grants and Scholarships

The Estranged and Care Experienced Students (EaCES) have created an A-Z grants and scholarship guide. Grants and scholarships can vary from one-off payments to long-term support. While grants and scholarships can help you, it's important to know that some grants and scholarships will not cover all costs and can be competitive.

Unite Foundation Scholarship: If you’re under 25, you may be eligible for the Unite Foundation scholarship. This scholarship provides free accommodation and covers your bills for up to three years while you study at university.
Quinlan Crowd Scholarship: This Scholarship provides £4,000 to support your first year of study on an undergraduate degree.

Hardship funds

Most education providers have a Hardship Fund. This is a pot of money that you can apply to access if you are in financial difficulties. The Hardship teams generally have an application form and will be able to guide and support you through the process.

Local Authority Offer

Local Authorities all have an offer to support their care leaver students. You will need to meet the statutory definitions to qualify. Your PA or Key worker can ensure this is all in place for you.

You can find out what your local authority offers at the following website: Care Leaver Local Offer

If you do not meet the statutory definition of a care leaver but have been in care there may still be support available. Contact your local authority to find out your options.

Jobs and Working

Many students have part-time jobs to support their finances whilst they study. We strongly recommend working 20 hours per week, or less, so that you can prioritise your studies. A great option is working as an ambassador at your university. These are paid, flexible roles and are also great for developing your skills and building your CV. We also advise that you have a look at the Unitemps website, a platform that advertises jobs for current university students.

Local Authority Offer

Local Authorities all have an offer to support their care leaver students. You will need to meet the statutory definitions to qualify. Your PA or Key worker can ensure this is all in place for you.

You can find out what your local authority offers at the following website: Care Leaver Local Offer

If you do not meet the statutory definition of a care leaver but have been in care there may still be support available. Contact your local authority to find out your options.

Postgraduate Study

There is an option to apply for student finance for your Postgraduate study. Again, visit our pages and guides from Student Finance to discover what is available for you: Student Finance and PhD Loans. Some universities are also offering bursaries for PG Study, and we are happy to be starting to see this more and more across the sector. Depending on your level of study, you might be entitled to other funding packages. Click here for more information. You can check out the finance pages on your institution's website to see what is available. Lots of universities offer discounts for continuing learning at their institutions.