University of Bedfordshire - Care Leavers

What you get

The University of Bedfordshire provides you with additional financial support if you have been removed from care (you were in care and have left it) or have been estranged from your family (you are no longer in contact with them and receive no support from them). You will receive this support in addition to your regular student finance. The university pays out the amount in instalments throughout the year to help you with your living and study costs. The exact amount depends on the academic year in question. You will also receive personalised support from the university’s ‘Student Money Team’, including workshops on budgeting, advice on your student finance, and information on the laptop loan scheme.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying for a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Bedfordshire in the UK.
• Fees: You pay the tuition fees for home undergraduates in the UK (9,535 GBP, approximately 11,000 EUR, for 2025/26).
• Age: At the start of your course, you will be at 25.
• Your background: You are either a former care leaver (as confirmed by the authority in your local authority responsible for your discharge from care) or have been assessed by Student Finance England as being estranged from your family or independent.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Any nationality, provided you are eligible for the UK domestic tuition fee rate.

How to apply

There is no separate application form. You simply need to inform the university that you are no longer in care or that you have no contact with your parents, and submit evidence from your local authority or from ‘Student Finance England’. If you meet the criteria, you will receive the payment automatically. The ‘Student Money Team’ is available to answer your questions.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based scholarship. Every eligible student receives it, not just a select few. If you are studying at the University of Bedfordshire, fall under 25 and can prove that you have been removed from care or are estranged from your family, you will receive this support. The most important thing is that you inform the university at an early stage and submit the necessary documentation.