Oxford Brookes University - Transition from Care Bursaries

Transition from Care Bursary (Oxford Brookes University)

You will receive a scholarship of £2,000 per year (about 2,300 EUR). This will be paid to you each year of your Bachelor’s degree, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. In addition to this funding, Oxford Brookes University offers former hall of residence residents a comprehensive support package. You will be guaranteed accommodation at the university for 52 weeks, and any deposit of £200 paid to partner accommodation providers will be refunded to you. You will also receive free bed linen and kitchen equipment when you move in, as well as a paid travel allowance on the day you move in. Upon graduation, you will receive two free guest tickets, a free academic gown and a basic photo package. You are guaranteed an interview for a paid position as a ‘Student Ambassador’, and you will receive personalised career guidance from a dedicated advisor. The scholarship helps former children in care to start their studies on a solid footing.

Who can apply

• University and level: You are starting a full-time bachelor’s degree at Oxford Brookes University.
• Field of study: Every subject at university.
• Age: When you start your full-time degree, you will fall under 25.
• Care background: You have spent at least 13 weeks in the care of a local authority and did not have a legal guardian between the time you left care and the start of your studies. You may also be eligible if a special guardianship order is in place for you or if you live in supported accommodation.
• Student finance: You receive financial support from the Student Loans Company or the NHS Business Services Authority.
• Where you study: You are a student from the UK.

How to apply

Applications must be made via the University’s funding portal. Please state in your UCAS or Brookes application that you are a former child in care. If you did not state this in your application, you can contact the team for former care leavers by email to request a review of your eligibility. Once you have been admitted, a designated contact person will review your eligibility and assist you with moving in.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. You must be a young former care leaver who is studying full-time at a specific university and receiving UK student finance; consequently, the target group is small and there are few applicants. If you clearly meet these criteria and can provide evidence of your time spent in care, your chances are good. It is also important to apply within the standard deadlines, as the accommodation guarantee is restricted if you are admitted via the Clearing process.