AberCares Bursary (for Care Leavers, Young Adult Carers, Refugees and Estranged Students)
£1,250 a year, plus £500 graduation boost
This bursary is to support UK domiciled students who have previously been in care, who have caring responsibilities, are refugees or have become estranged from families or guardians in their late teenage years.
Starting university is an exciting time: a new environment, new people and new experiences. However, most students feel a bit daunted when they first arrive, regardless of their background, where they went to school or how confident they may appear. We have put together a package of dedicated support specifically aimed to aid your progression to and success at Aberystwyth University.
Am I eligible for support?
If you’ve ticked the box on your UCAS application form to indicate that you are a care leaver we will get in touch with you when we receive your application. You can also self-refer by completing our online application form.
Our support package is available to the following categories of full-time, UK-domiciled students:
| Category | Defined as | Evidence required |
|---|---|---|
| Care Leavers | Students under the age of 25 who have been in the care of their Local Authority for a period of at least 13 weeks from the age of 14 up to starting their course. | Confirmation of your circumstances via a letter from your Local Authority (LA) or Care Authority, confirming you were under the care of your LA for a period of at least 13 weeks from the age of 14, have now left the care of the LA, and are a care leaver as defined in the Children (Leaving Care) Act. |
| Young Adult Carers | Students under the age of 25 with significant responsibility for providing unpaid care to a family member who cannot cope without their support. This may be due to illness, disability, a mental health issue or substance misuse. | Confirmation of your status as a Young Adult Carer via the relevant Student Finance body, or a letter from your Local Authority/Social Services or Carer’s Support Group. Carers are not permitted to be in receipt of the Carers Allowance alongside this bursary. |
| Estranged Students | Students under the age of 25 who no longer have the support of their family due to a breakdown in their relationship which has led to ceased contact. Students who are estranged have no communicative relationship with any parent, and often their wider family networks as well. | Confirmation of your circumstances via your Student Finance assessment, or a letter from a professional who is aware of your family circumstances. |
| Refugee Students | Students who have been granted refugee status in the UK. | A copy of both sides of your BRP card which shows that you have Refugee status with leave to remain in the UK. |
| Independent/ Unsupported Students | If you don’t fit into any of the categories above but would like to discuss what non-financial support we can offer, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. | Please contact us: student-support@aber.ac.uk |
Points of contact
We have a dedicated team who can help you find the support you need if you are encountering any problems:
- Marion Thomson, Student Adviser (Inclusion) is your point of contact at Aberystwyth University. Whether you need assistance with your UCAS form, planning a visit to the University, or support once you've arrived for Welcome Week, Marion and the team will be pleased to support you throughout your student journey – ffostaff@aber.ac.uk or mnt@aber.ac.uk / 01970 628423
- A Senior Student Adviser can help if you need assistance completing your Student Finance application – student-adviser@aber.ac.uk / 01970 621761
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you can access a range of provision to assist you throughout your time with us, including:
Applying to and visiting Aberystwyth
Money Matters
When you arrive at Aberystwyth
Student Support Services and Wellbeing
Here to Help
Careers Advice and Work Experience
Graduation
Useful Links
How will I be paid?
You will receive payments in equal instalments direct into your bank account each year – the first at the start of December and the second at the start of March.