Care Leavers Scholarship 2024/25

In 2024/25, scholarships of up to £6,625 per annum will be offered to University of Gloucestershire students of Home status, who have been in local authority care in the UK.

The Care Leavers Scholarship consists of:

• a 50% tuition fee waiver for each year of full-time study See note 1 AND
• a bursary towards general living or accommodation costs: See note 2
  • £2000 in the first year (Level 4)
  • £1000 in the second year (Level 5)
  • £1000 in the final year (Level 6). This amount can be increased to £2000, if the student has an average pass mark of 60% or more at Level 5.

Note 1: Students should apply for a full £9250 tuition fee loan from Student Finance, and if the fee waiver is awarded the university will advise Student Finance that a lower loan is needed.

Note 2: The bursary can be received as discounted halls of residence fees, OR cash support for students living in private accommodation.

Eligibility

Eligible students will:

• have been in the care of a local authority in the UK for a period of 3 months or more between the age of 14 and school-leaving age (18 years)
• be a new entrant to the university for the 2024/25 academic year
• be entering their first year of full-time undergraduate study at level 4, 5 or 6.
• be a ‘Home’ student for tuition fee purposes and be eligible for full tuition fees of £9,250
• be aged under 25 at their point of entry
• not hold an equivalent or higher qualification i.e. you must not already hold a qualification that is equivalent or higher to the BA/BSc degree that you will be undertaking
• not be studying on a franchise, hybrid or validated University of Gloucestershire course at another institution

Further information

Scholarship awards regarding general living costs are paid directly into students’ bank accounts in three instalments;

A scholarship holder who transfers from full-time to part-time enrolment will cease to be eligible to hold the scholarship.

A student on their year-long placement (as part of a ‘sandwich’ programme) will only be entitled to the 50% fee waiver whilst on placement.  

The Care Leavers Scholarship is only available to students studying on courses delivered by the University of Gloucestershire. The scholarship will be terminated for any student who ceases to be enrolled as a student of the University of Gloucestershire. If either the scholarship or enrolment are terminated for any reason, the student must repay the University any monies overpaid, based on a pro-rata calculation from the date of the termination.

The University of Gloucestershire has a dedicated Money Advice Team to offer information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student finance. They provide a confidential service to prospective and current students.

How to apply

Please email Susana Franklyn, University’s named contact for Care Leavers, at: sfranklyn@glos.ac.uk to discuss eligibility and how to apply.  A letter from a Social Worker/Personal Adviser confirming the student has been in the care of a local authority in the UK for a period of 3 months or more between the age of 14 and school-leaving age (18 years) will be required.