We want all care leavers who are thinking about university to feel supported to achieve their goals. We can help you with university applications, student finance, accommodation and other costs while you study.
If you are unsure what support you can get, speak to your Personal Adviser.
What support can I get?
If you are a Former Relevant young person, you may be eligible for the following support.
| Support | What we provide | Payment method |
|---|---|---|
| Local authority bursary |
£2,000 paid in equal instalments throughout your course. e.g for a 3 year course, you would recieve £222.22 three times, each year. |
Paid directly into your bank account |
| Books and equiptment | Up to £100 per academic year | Purchased by your personal advisor |
| Accommodation support | Help with costs if your student finance does not cover them | Paid directly to your accomodation provider |
| Graduation costs | Support with graduation cap and gown hire | Paid directly into your bank account |
| Master's degree support | £1,500 paid in equal instalments throughout your course. | Paid directly into your bank account |
Apply through UCAS
There is currently a UCAS fee waiver for eligible care leavers.
To qualify for the fee waiver, you must have been in local authority care for at least 13 weeks or more spanning your 16th birthday. . If you are applying from England, Wales or Norther Ireland the fee waiver can be applied up until your 25th birthday, or your 26th birthday if you’re applying from Scotland.
If the UCAS fee waiver is no longer available when you apply, we may be able to help with the cost depending on your financial circumstances.
Tell your university that you are a care leaver as early as possible. Many universities offer additional support, bursaries and accommodation for care-experienced students.
Use the UCAS website to find out more about support available to care leavers:
- Undergraduate: Care experienced students | UCAS
- Finance and funding for care experienced students | UCAS
Visit university open days
If you are thinking about going to university, we can support you to attend open days and explore your options.
Speak to your Personal Adviser if you would like help arranging a visit.
Tuition fees
Most students pay tuition fees through a student loan provided by the Student Loans Company.
You do not need to pay tuition fees before starting university.
Before applying for student finance, check the latest tuition fee and repayment information on GOV.UK or Student Finance.
Student finance for undergraduates | GOV.UK
Accommodation support while studying
It is expected that you apply for the maintenance from the Student Loans Company loan to cover your day-to-day living costs, including accommodation.
If your maintenance loan does not cover these costs, we may be able to provide additional support.
How we access support
Your Personal Adviser will complete a financial assessment with you to understand:
- your income
- your student finance and bursaries
- your accommodation costs
- your essential living expenses
This assessment will help us decide whether you need additional support. The outcome will be included in your Pathway Plan so that you understand your income and spending while studying.
Support with accommodation costs
If you need extra help, we may be able to provide up to £75 per week towards accommodation or living costs.
This could include:
- rent to a private landlord
- university halls of residence
- supported lodgings
- other suitable rented accommodation
Any support offered will depend on your individual circumstances and the outcome of your financial assessment.
University holiday accommodation
If you study away from home, we will help you access suitable accommodation during university holiday periods.
If your university offers free accommodation
Some universities offer scholarships for accommodation to care experienced young people.
If this is available, we would expect you to take up this offer. If the accommodation placement is not funded for 52 weeks of the year, the Local Authority will pay the additional weeks or an alternative for you.
If you study away from Hartlepool
If you move away to study, we may be able to help you maintain your tenancy or supported lodging arrangement where appropriate.
Staying Put arrangements
If you remain in a Staying Put arrangement while studying, your accommodation costs continue to be covered by us.
You will still be expected to apply for the maintenance loan funding available to you, which will provide a weekly allowance.
Rent deposits and guarantors
We do not provide support for:
- rent deposits
- advance rent payments
- guarantor services
You may be able to get help through Housing Hand's rent guarantor service.
Support for master's degrees
If you successfully complete your degree and progress to a master's qualification, the Through Care Service will provide £1,500 towards your course.
To apply, you will need:
- evidence of your degree results
- confirmation from your university that you have been offered a place
We do not provide accommodation support for master's degree study.
If you study in London
If you attend a university in London, we will consider the higher cost of living when carrying out your financial assessment.
What we do not pay for
We do not provide:
- rent deposits
- guarantor services
- accommodation costs for master's degree study
- routine travel costs
If you live within the north-east, you may be eligible for a Care Leaver bus pass.
What we expect from you
To receive support, you should:
- apply for student finance and bursaries on time
- keep your Personal Adviser updated about your accommodation arrangements
- engage with your studies and university support services
- speak to your Personal Adviser if you experience financial difficulties
Additional support and advice
There are a number of organisations that offer support to care-experienced young people before, during and after university.
Grants and financial support
The Leathersellers
The Leathersellers provide grants to support education and personal development. This may include small grants and longer-term funding.
Capstone Care Leavers Trust
The Capstone Care Leavers Trust supports care-experienced young people aged 17 to 25.
Support may include:
- education and training grants
- laptops and study materials
- driving lessons
- household essentials
- advice and guidance
This organisation may be particularly useful for qualifying young people and those considering postgraduate study.
Find out more on the Capstone Care Leavers Trust website.
Housing Hand
Housing Hand provides guarantor support for students who need help securing accommodation.
Rees Foundation
The Rees Foundation may be able to provide emergency financial support for essential costs, including:
- gas and electricity
- essential travel
- unexpected expenses
The Knapman Fund
The Knapman Fund is a bursary for care leavers managed by NYAS.
Funding of up to £500 may be available to support education, training or other essential needs.
Contact: knapmanfund@nyas.net
University applications and study support
UCAS
UCAS has information and guidance specifically for care-experienced students applying to university.
The Complete University Guide
The Complete University Guide provides information and advice to support care leavers throughout the university application process and while studying.
Become and Propel
Become is a charity supporting care-experienced young people.
Accommodation support
Unite Foundation Scholarship
The Unite Foundation Scholarship provides free student accommodation for up to three years at selected partner universities across the UK.
Mentoring, advocacy and wellbeing support
Brightside
Brightside provides mentoring and support for care-experienced young people who are considering higher education.
Help at Hand
Help at Hand is provided by the Children's Commissioner's Office and offers advice and support to children in care and care leavers.
Email: help.team@childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Coram
Coram provides advice, support and advocacy services for care-experienced young people.
Speak to your Personal Adviser
Your Personal Adviser can help you understand what support is available and identify any grants, bursaries or services you may be eligible for. If you're unsure where to start, speak to them first.