Last updated:
25th June 2026
Support to go to university
The support you can get depends on what type of care leaver you are. Find out what this means.
As a care leaver, we’ll help you get all the Higher Education funding and support you’re entitled to. We’ll also make sure you’ve got somewhere to live whilst you’re studying, including during the holidays. Your Personal Advisor (PA) will support you in a way that works for you.
If you’re starting an undergraduate course, we can help out with:
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Support to check out universities, including going to open days and help looking at options online
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Assistance with moving to university to make it feel less stressful and more manageable
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Up to £5,000 a year towards term‑time accommodation
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£1,200 to help with accommodation during the holidays
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£1,000 each term to help cover everyday living costs
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£500 each year for books and course equipment
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Accessing the National grant of £2,000
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Up to £1,200 a year to help with travel to and from university
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£100 extra when you complete your degree
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Up to £300 towards graduation gown costs
Your PA will help you with the practical stuff and step in if things feel tricky. That includes:
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Helping you apply for student finance, loans and bursaries
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Supporting you to set up a bank account if you need one
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Sorting things out with Student Finance England and your university’s student support teams
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Keeping in touch with the care leavers lead at your university, so you’re getting everything you’re entitled to
When you start university, we don’t step away. We’ll support you throughout your course and right up until you finish, as long as it’s completed by your planned end date. If you’d like to talk, just reach out to your Personal Advisor (PA).
Helpful websites and further support
These websites can help you learn more about going to university and the support available to you:
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
This is where you apply to university. It has simple guides to help you choose a course, apply, and understand your offers.
Student Finance England
Explains how to get help with tuition fees and living costs while you’re studying.
Student Finance England website
Become (Charity for Children in Care and Care Leavers)
Advice, guides and one‑to‑one support to help care leavers with college, university and future plans.
The Care Leaver Covenant
Shows the extra support, opportunities and discounts available to care leavers from different organisations.
