University of Chichester - Care Leavers Bursary

What the Care Leavers Bursary gives you

You will receive about 355 EUR per year (£300) from the University of Chichester in the United Kingdom, which will be paid in addition to any other grants or scholarships you are already receiving. A ‘care leaver’ is someone who was in the care of a local authority (state care) during their childhood and adolescence. The grant forms part of the university’s wider ‘Care Leavers Package’. This package also includes a place in student accommodation for all 365 days of the year at the standard rate, a personal academic adviser who will support you throughout your studies, and assistance with the admissions process.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are applying to the University of Chichester or are currently studying there.
• Care background: You are under 25 and have been in the care of a local authority since your 14. You have been in their care for at least 13 weeks. This is the main target group.
• Wider care background: You may still apply if you have experience in the care sector but do not meet these specific requirements. A university committee will then assess your case on an individual basis.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities welcome.

How to apply

Please state your background in child and youth care in your UCAS application or via the university’s applicant portal. The university will forward this information to its coordinator for former care leavers. You will be asked about your time in child and youth care and asked for permission to contact your local authority so that your status can be verified. An admissions panel will then assess your application. If you are successful, you will be offered all components of the programme.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined: it is aimed exclusively at former children in care attending a specific university, so the target group is small and there are only a few applicants competing for the scholarship. If you have a clear background in child and youth care and are studying in Chichester, your chances are good. Even if your background in child and youth care is broader, each case is assessed on its own merits. The committee considers your situation individually, rather than ranking you against many other applicants.