University of Sheffield - Student carers

Financial support for student carers at the University of Sheffield

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will receive up to about 5,175 EUR (£4,500) per academic year, paid in two instalments. Part-time students on the ‘Lifelong Learning’ programme at the School of Education will receive up to approximately 2,600 euros (£2,250). Master’s students receive approximately 3,450 EUR (£3,000) if studying full-time, or approximately 1,725 EUR (£1,500) if studying part-time. The university pays this amount in addition to your state student finance. You do not need to repay it unless your circumstances change. Once you have received the grant, it is automatically renewed for each year of your studies without the need to submit a new application. It replaces the standard University of Sheffield scholarship.

Who can apply

• Caring role: You provide regular care, without remuneration, to a close relative who is suffering from a long-term illness, a physical or mental disability, a mental health condition or an addiction. Close relatives are defined as parents or step-parents, partners, dependent children, siblings or grandparents. You will continue to provide care for them whilst you are studying.
• University: You are enrolled at the University of Sheffield or are about to enrol.
• Level: You are studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• How you study: You must attend in person. Distance-learning students are not eligible to take part.
• Fee status: You pay tuition fees for domestic students (UK).
• Student finance: As a bachelor’s degree student, you have applied to Student Finance England (or the relevant regional office) for a loan to cover your tuition fees and a living costs loan. Even if you do not wish to draw down the loan funds, you are still entitled to them by applying for a means test under a £0 loan.
• Evidence: You can provide evidence of your role as a carer, for example by submitting a letter from a care professional involved in your care or a recent decision regarding care allowance.

How to apply

Apply online via the university’s student or applicant login, using the application form for students with childcare responsibilities. Please attach proof of your childcare responsibilities. The university usually processes complete applications within 20 working days.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a selection process with a fixed number of places. It is targeted funding for a specific group; if you clearly meet the criteria and can provide evidence of your caregiving role, you will receive the funding. The biggest hurdle is providing proof; you should therefore obtain a professional letter or your care allowance notification at an early stage. As the funding is automatically renewed each year, a single well-substantiated application is sufficient for the duration of your entire degree programme.