Applying to University and Care Leavers

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

UCAS provide advice and guidance with higher education and can help you with:

• Your UCAS application

• Your personal statement

• Your Student Finance Application

• Campus visits

• Your transition to University

They can help you choose the best University for you and advise you on which Universities have the best support for Care Leavers. When considering your options it's worth using the Propel website [External Link] to directly compare the support on offer to care leavers at each university.

For more information about applying to University, please visit the UCAS website [External Link]

Support from the Leaving Care Team and other financial support for Care Leavers while at University

If you are planning to attend university, your PA can provide further advice regarding the support and help available to you. We can help you understand which universities have the best support for the care leavers and help you choose a suitable university for your higher studies. We can also support you to make arrangements and decisions about where you would like to live while at University. You are entitled to apply for student loans and grants. Usually you will not be able to claim benefits. Student loans and maintenance loans are administered by Student Finance. Both will need to be repaid when your earnings reach a certain amount when you have completed your course of further study. See student finance website for further information.

We offer you financial support via our Leaving Care Team Discretionary Higher Education Bursary Scheme, currently this involves financing up to £200 per week towards rent contribution, provision of a laptop and assisting with travel, equipment and books. For more information about the Discretionary Higher Education Bursary Scheme, please contact your personal adviser.

Here are some other links to help you on your way to University

• National Network for the Education of Care Leavers [External Link] - Providing Higher Education activities and resources for Care Leavers and Children In Care.

• Become [External Link] A charity for Children In Care and care leavers, they also developed the Propel website,

• The Complete University Guide [External Link] - An extensive online guide featuring League Tables to help you understand more about each university and giving you the most informative, unbiased and up to date information.

• Discover Uni [External Link] - The new online resource replacing the uni stats website, designed to help prospective students in deciding on the best University for them.

• Save The Student [External Link] - A website for students giving advice on Money, Banking, Student Finance, Jobs, Accommodation, Bills and lots of deals and money saving / budgeting tips

• Student Finance [External Link] - How to apply for a student loan and other financial support available.

• University Compare [External Link] - A platform designed to help students make informed decisions about their next steps in education. It provides university comparisons, student reviews, and practical guidance on applications and career options, making it a valuable resource for students exploring higher education.