University College London - UCL Care Leavers

UCL Care Leaver Bursary

You will receive 1,150 EUR per year (£1,000) as a contribution towards your living costs whilst you are studying for your Bachelor’s degree at University College London. The amount will be paid out for each academic year, provided you remain at 25 and are enrolled. In the first year, you can apply for an advance of approximately 230 EUR (£200) to cover costs before the start of your studies. UCL awards this scholarship to students who have grown up in care to help them settle into their studies. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may also be eligible for two further benefits: the separate UCL scholarship for undergraduate students, worth approximately 2,900 EUR (£2,500) per year, and a guaranteed place in a UCL hall of residence open all year round during your first year of study.

Who can apply

• University: You have been offered a place on a full-time Bachelor’s degree programme at UCL or are already enrolled there.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Where you live: For the purposes of tuition fees, you are regarded as a student resident in the UK (‘home fee status’).
• Age: On the day the course starts, you will be at 25.
• Care experience: You were in the care of a local authority for at least 13 weeks, for example in a foster family or a children’s home. This care came to an end after you turned 16 and before your course began.
• No move back home: You didn’t move back in with your parents between leaving your foster family and starting your degree.

How to apply

There is no separate form and no deadline. First, apply for a Bachelor’s degree programme at UCL. Then apply for student finance and send your funding agency a letter from your local authority or social worker confirming that you are in care. UCL will automatically assess your eligibility and confirm your payment by October.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is not a competitive award. It is aimed exclusively at former children in care under the age of 25 at UCL, and anyone who meets these criteria will receive it. UCL will automatically check your eligibility as soon as your status as a former child in care has been confirmed. If you meet the criteria regarding care home placement and age, and can provide the letter of confirmation, you will receive the scholarship. The most important thing is to ensure that your funding body receives the correct supporting documentation.