University of South Wales - Care Leavers Bursary

Care Leavers Bursary at the University of South Wales

You will receive a grant of £1,000 (about 1,170 EUR) if you are studying full-time, or £500 (approximately 585 EUR) if you are studying part-time. You will also be assigned a personal mentor – an experienced contact person who will support you throughout your studies. Full-time students can use the university’s halls of residence all year round, provided they pay the fees and meet the usual conditions. After you graduate, a further grant, currently amounting to £100 (approximately 115 EUR), will help with costs such as hiring your graduation gown and a photo package. This support is provided by the University of South Wales, which is part of the CLASS Cymru partnership for former care leavers in Wales.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at the University of South Wales.
• Age: You are under 25.
• Care background: One of the following statements applies to you: you are currently in the care of a local authority; you were in care for 3 years prior to starting your degree programme; or you have left care but continue to receive support from your local authority or an organisation such as Barnardo’s. You must provide appropriate evidence of this.
• Fee status: You are classified as a ‘domestic student’, which means you are studying in the United Kingdom and pay the tuition fees applicable there.
• Field of study: Any subject.

How to apply

If you are applying via UCAS, tick the box identifying you as a former care home resident. Please state this again on your university enrolment form. The university will then contact you and provide you with details on how to apply for the scholarship. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact the coordinator for former children in care.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an award that is given on a competitive basis. It is aimed at a small, specific group: former residents of 25 who are enrolled at this particular university and can provide proof of their time spent at the hall of residence. If you meet these criteria and state your status when applying, you should receive the grant without having to apply for it.