Work, learning and money

Firstly, congratulations! This is an amazing achievement, and we can’t wait to support you along your journey at university. 

What are you entitled to?

If you are aged between 18-21 years old, you can apply for:

• £3000 per year towards tuition fees, maximum £9,000 over the whole of the course
• £2000 bursary (maximum) – this is given as £500 one month before the start of the course. This will enable you to pay for accommodation fees or deposits and any other pre-course expenses as required
• then £500 at the end of each year upon successful completion, for 3 years (evidence must be provided).  If the course is longer than 3 years then the £2000 must be divided over the total length of the course
• £25.00 per week – living allowance (not in student halls) during term time only
   

Student finance 

Guide  for applying for student finance
Guide about student finances

You can still apply for funding up to nine months after the first day of the academic year for your course, however this will mean you will not have any income in this period.

When applying for your student finance, once you have had confirmation that we will contribute £3,000 towards your tuition fees for that year, you will need to apply for your student finance subtracting £3000.

For example, if your fees are £9250, you would apply for £6250 to allow for us to pay the university the £3000. This is very important as if this is not completed this could affect the payment going to your account. 

Support from leaving care

Your leaving care worker will still come and visit you every eight weeks (or 12 weeks if you make that agreement together). 
You will still complete your pathway plan review with your leaving care worker every six months (or 12 months depending on your age).

Summer accommodation 

We will help you apply for any available accommodation funds. During holiday periods, we can provide housing through the staying put service or cover the full cost of suitable accommodation, as required by the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.

Support for accommodation is only offered from the first holiday period following the start of term in year one and cannot be provided after the final term of your course.

Suitable accommodation means a safe place that meets your needs.  The first choice should be staying in your current university accommodation.  If that's not possible, other options should be explored with your leaving care worker and agreed upon in your pathway plan. If the chosen accommodation is significantly more expensive than other options, you may need to contribute to the cost.

Before making any plans for summer accommodation, you must discuss them with your leaving care worker. They will then seek approval from the corporate parent to fund it. Do not secure summer accommodation without this approval unless you plan to self-fund.

Important:

• if accommodation is not approved in advance, it won't be funded
• there is a limit on costs; for example, you cannot book a villa in spain for the summer

If you return to a supported lodgings provider during any holiday period, they will receive payment of £100 per week to cover your care in that time.

Working when at university

You can work, and it does not affect your student finances, so you can earn some money and create yourself a savings pot.

We encourage you to work over the summer period to cover your living costs over this time. A contribution may be made towards your accommodation over the summer period, however you would be expected to pay for your day-to-day living. 

Additional support

You could be entitled to some additional support, such as a bursary from the university as you are care experienced.

You could also get some additional support from the university, such as talking therapy or a worker who you can contact if you need support.

You may be able to access your new homes grant for household items.

Propel offer advice longer-term 1-2-1 support, workshops, and information to support care leavers thinking about further and higher education.

UCAS information for care leavers

Complete university guide for care leavers

Finding term time accommodation

You’ll be responsible for paying your own rent during term time using available loans, usually from Student Finance UK.

You usually won't be eligible for benefits as a higher education student unless you’re a lone parent or have a disability.

If there’s any doubt about eligibility, your leaving care worker can help you to check with DWP.

At your university they will have provided you with lots of information about their accommodation and also off-site accommodation. There will also be private student letting agencies in the area.

Remember to ensure you are happy with your choice as if you did decide to leave midway through your year you will still be liable to pay for this.