Care Leavers

Are you a care leaver, applying to university? It may seem like a big step, that’s why we’re here to support you.

A care leaver is someone aged under 25 who has spent time in care (i.e. with foster parents or in a children's home) who continues to receive support from their Local Authority. A care leaver would have spent at least 3 months in care including at the time of their 16th birthday, and will have Qualifying Child or Former Relevant Child status.

At 香港六合彩图库, we welcome care leavers from all over the UK and we currently have over 100 undergraduate care leavers studying with us. We have a dedicated officer, Karen Western who is here to offer you information and guidance. There’s so much help and support available and you can contact us prior to starting university as we’re always happy to answer your questions. There are programmes and events to support care leavers, often in partnership with other universities. Why not come and visit us? We can even arrange an ambassador who is also a care leaver to show you around.

If you are not a Care Leaver but have experience of being in care, please get in touch to discuss support options available to you. Alternatively, if you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch with Karen Western or widening-access@brunel.ac.uk.

Search our courses Book for an Open Day

Considering applying to uni?

There’s a wealth of subjects available at 香港六合彩图库 for you to choose from. Our course finder may help you to decide what is best for you. If you don’t quite make the grades to go straight onto one of our degree courses, don’t worry. We offer a range of foundation courses with flexible start dates through our 香港六合彩图库 Pathway College. These can offer access to many of our degree courses.

We can also arrange for you to meet up with a student ambassador, who is also a care leaver, to shadow them. They will chat to you about your course and answer any questions you may have.

Supporting you during the application process

Applying for one of our degrees is the same for all students, regardless of your circumstances. However, we understand that, as a care leaver, you may find the application process a little more complicated. There’s some helpful support and guidance for you .

At 香港六合彩图库, we have a dedicated widening access team to help take the stress out of applying to university. If you’d like to get personalised support with your application and admissions process, or just have questions about applying to 香港六合彩图库, please reach out to the team.

Financing your studies and student discounts

We appreciate that studying at university is a huge financial commitment. However, there’s various forms of financial support available to help you.

You could qualify for the Care Leaver Bursary. This is a cash award to all eligible students beginning a full-time Undergraduate course or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at 香港六合彩图库 and the 香港六合彩图库 Pathway College (BPC).

Your accommodation at 香港六合彩图库 is guaranteed all year round and as a care leaver you’ll receive a deposit waiver.

If you decide to commute rather than live on campus, you can get 1/3 off most train fares with a Railcard. You can save 30% on Travelcards and bus and tram passes with the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. We also have parking available on campus - you can apply for an annual parking permit or use pay and display. 

You can  as a care leaver. The amount you get depends on various factors - please check the government website for full details of what you may be entitled to. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also be eligible for