Moving from care to university

How we'll help you go to university

If you decide to go to university, we will:

• give you a higher education bursary of £2,000 
• help you to look at universities, apply for a place and make visits before starting
• help you to apply for tuition fees and a student loan
• help you to find somewhere to live
• pay your rent while you are at university
• provide somewhere for you to stay during university holidays if where you stay during term-time is not available
• pay your travel costs back to the area three times during your course
• arrange visits by your Young Person's Advisor (YPA) regardless of where you are studying 
• review your pathway plan every six months to make sure your needs are still being met
• have a celebration event to champion your success!

University support

All universities have a member of staff who supports care leavers and they will be able to give you lots of advice and support too. Many universities will offer care leavers a guaranteed place in university owned accommodation which will cover the full 52 weeks per year. Some universities will also give you a care leaver bursary in addition to the higher education bursary.

To find out what the university or college you're applying to can offer, search for the university online, followed by 'care leaver' (for example 'Sunderland university care leaver') to help you find pages on their website about what they can offer you.

Why should you go to university?

Many care leavers go on to achieve amazing things in higher education. So can you.

Propel - is higher education for me? list the top 10 reasons why you should go to university:

• You'll be able to live independently and make your own decisions.
• You'll always feel proud of your achievement and get confidence from it.
• You'll find clubs and societies for every interest imaginable.
• You'll have access to more jobs when you qualify.
• You'll fit in. Higher education welcomes all kinds of people from all types of backgrounds.
• You can study a subject you're good at and care about.
• You'll have the potential to earn more money.
• You'll have the chance to choose a city or town you'd love to live in.
• You'll meet new people and make lasting friendships.
• You'll have access to lots of support to help you get there - and stay there - so why not take advantage of it?