Higher education
We work closely with local universities to provide opportunities for care leavers to experience university life.
Financial support
The law says we must provide you with assistance with expenses linked with employment, education and training. In particular:
- Higher Education Bursary- the university bursary is funded by Lancashire Virtual School and paid over a 3 year period on an academic year basis. The total value of the bursary is £3000 which is paid in 3 instalments of £1000. This is a one off bursary.
The University bursary will not be available for students on a Higher-Level Apprenticeships. This is due to the funding rules around the new £3000 Apprenticeship bursary from the DfE.
- Vacation Accommodation-if you are doing a degree course away from home and you need accommodation during university holidays then funding will be provided (level of rent will be based on assessed need)
We will also provide
- Graduation Bursary- on completion of your degree you will receive a one off payment. This is only available to young people that started their degree 2014 onwards
- Course equipment for university - Eligible care leavers will receive the Higher Education Bursary above from Lancashire Virtual School and a bursary from your university for course equipment. This is for any equipment you may need for university. Any further support will be based on assessed need, please go to the Money section for more details
Other support you can apply for
- University tuition fee and maintenance support from the Government see student finance (external link) for more information
- Unite Foundation (external link) - care leavers can apply for a scholarship to cover all their accommodation costs at some universities.
Support from universities
The four local universities offer tailored support to care leavers such as:
- a dedicated contact
- one to one advice
- accommodation available 365 days a year
- a bursary or extra funds (if you are eligible)
For more information about the support provided by individual universities visit their websites:
More information and advice
Other organisations that provide information and advice:
- Propel - information on what support is available for care leavers at university
- GOV.uk - Higher education courses: find and apply - information on all aspects of higher education
- UCAS - information on applying for courses
- GOV.uk - student finance - information about student finance
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