University of Chester - Chester Care Leavers Bursary

What you get

You will receive non-repayable cash bursary of about 1,725 EUR per level of study (1,500 GBP), which will be paid out in three instalments throughout the year. You will also be granted a reduction of approximately 1,150 EUR (1,000 GBP) on your tuition fees. Furthermore, you will receive a discount of 50% on university-owned accommodation, which can be claimed once per level of study. If no university-owned accommodation is available, you may instead receive a grant of approximately 2,875 EUR (2,500 GBP) towards alternative accommodation. You can claim the grant once per stage of study (stages 4 to 6), meaning the total amount over the course of a full bachelor’s degree can amount to several thousand pounds. You will also receive a support package: help with finding accommodation for the whole academic year, a peer mentor (a fellow student who will support you), a dedicated member of staff to act as your point of contact, and access to the university’s careers team. The University of Chester offers this grant to students who have spent time in care homes.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are a full-time undergraduate student, including those on foundation courses and preparatory years.
• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Chester. Partner institutions are not taken into account, with the exception of the ‘Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare’ undergraduate programme at University Centre Reaseheath.
• Care background: You spent at least three months in state care before your 18th birthday, or are subject to a special guardianship order. This includes foster care, children’s homes and care provided by relatives.
• Age: You are currently in your first year of your current degree programme, on 25 of 1 September.
• Residence: You are ordinarily resident in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Students from the EU and other countries are not eligible to apply.
• Tuition fees: Tuition fees for a foundation year amount to at least approximately 4,410 EUR (3,835 GBP) and rise to at least approximately 7,500 EUR (6,525 GBP) in subsequent semesters.
• Field of study: Any topic is possible.
• No double funding: Your fees are not covered by a sponsor or as part of a training programme, and you do not receive any other scholarship from the University of Chester.

How to apply

Please submit an application form and proof of your status as a former care leaver by 31 January each year. You must reapply each academic year and provide up-to-date evidence. If you are applying via UCAS, please tick the box indicating that you are a former care leaver so that the university can contact you.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is aimed at a small target group: you must be studying in Chester, be aged 25 or under, and have spent time in care homes. The university points out that the number of places available is limited. You should therefore apply early and submit your supporting documents in good time before the deadline on 31 January. If you clearly meet the criteria regarding care and residence, your chances are good, although meeting these criteria does not guarantee that your application will be successful.