UCAS has announced it is expanding its application fee waiver to cover care leavers up to age 26* across the UK from the 2027 cycle, in a bid to encourage more to apply to university or college.
The latest figures from the Department for Education show just 13% of care leavers progressed to higher education (HE) by age 19 by 2023-24 compared to the progression rate for all other pupils which was more than three times higher at 46%.
Care leavers can face specific challenges when considering and deciding on their options, including a lack of family or financial support. By waiving the fee, UCAS aims to make it easier for more care leavers to take that next step and apply to higher education. Sharing their information earlier will also mean universities and colleges can offer them tailored support throughout the application process and before they start their course.
This announcement builds on the introduction of UCAS' fee waiver for those in receipt of free school meals (FSM) which supported more than 40,000 students who applied last academic year to start university or college in autumn 2025.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS Chief Executive, said: “Because care leavers may not have family support or a financial safety net, putting this waiver in place should help make applying to university or college feel possible and achievable. This is one of many measures UCAS is taking to break down barriers and make higher education accessible to all. By sharing their status at the point of application, care leavers will also be able to access the generous support packages offered by universities and colleges, from scholarships to year-round accommodation, at a much earlier stage, giving them confidence in progressing to higher education.
“Young people often face unique challenges when transitioning out of care. I firmly believe the decision to go to university or college should be within reach for everyone who can benefit from it. Building on the success of the first UCAS application fee waiver for students on free school meals, which has already helped over 40,000 young people take their next step, I’m delighted to extend this support to care leavers.”
Denise Rawls, Executive Director at National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL), said: “The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers warmly welcomes UCAS’ application fee waiver for care leavers. By removing costs and simplifying the university application process, this demonstrates what is possible when the student experience is truly at the centre. This is crucial, not just for care leavers, who face persistent barriers to higher education and opportunity, but for society, which benefits when every young person can realise their potential. We hope this inspires action to remove the remaining systemic barriers that care leavers face from enrolment to graduation and beyond.”
Chloe Grant, Director of Services at Become, said: “Through our Propel into Education service, we know care leavers face multiple challenges in reaching university. Many will have been forced to leave care without the support they need, making the financial barriers difficult to overcome. Removing the UCAS application fee is an important and welcome step in bringing university within reach of more young people with huge talent and potential.”
Since September 2024, UCAS has removed the application fee for FSM students. Many of the students applying this year say the waiver gave them confidence to apply.
Student Rania, 18, said: “The UCAS fee waiver has allowed me to apply for midwifery at university, removing financial barriers and making the process more accessible, so no opportunities were closed to me because of cost. I felt really relieved and grateful. It took a lot of pressure off me financially. It definitely eased my worries and made applying feel less stressful."
Student Kobe, 18, said: “I am applying for a sports coaching course. I've always enjoyed sports, especially volunteering with the PE department. I think a degree would give me more career opportunities. The FSM waiver has relieved a bit of financial pressure and makes the whole process easier.”
Meanwhile, school leaders have spoken about the positive impact the FSM fee waiver has had in encouraging their students to apply to higher education.
Martin Young, Head of Sixth Form at Oasis Academy Enfield, said: “At Oasis Academy Enfield, we’re dedicated to empowering every student to raise their aspirations and expand their horizons. For many of our students, university is a key driver of social mobility and they may be the first in their families to go. Financial worries are a daily reality, so even something that seems small, like the free school meals waiver, is significant. It removes barrier, creates equity and helps our students aim for the best universities.”
Jessica Gibson, from the Sixth Form Team at Bishop Gore School, Swansea, said: “The FSM waiver has made the UCAS application process a more positive experience for certain pupils. Not having to pay has reduced the financial pressure of this stage of the process. In the past I have had pupils waiting for money to come into their bank account before they could send their application and this has now reduced.
“It is particularly important for pupils that are on the fence about applying. It has tipped the balance to giving it a go as they would not be wasting money if they don't get in or decide not to go after all. We have had a record number of pupils apply this year, I think partly due to the FSM waiver.”
Kate Forster, Head of Sixth Form at St Wilfrid’s RC College, South Shields, said: “It's encouraged a lot of our children to take the leap that they wouldn't have before. We are going to have far more applicants this year than we ever have before, because of this.
“It's encouraged those who wouldn't previously have applied, to apply: to say to them 'it's still an option and you're not committing to it', so they can really explore what's out there for them.”
UCAS will work with schools and colleges to raise awareness of the expanded eligibility ahead of the 2027 application cycle.
ENDS
Notes to editor
- Care leavers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are, by legal definition, someone who has been in the care of the Local Authority for a period of 13 weeks or more spanning their 16th birthday. A care leaver in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is eligible for the fee waiver up until their 25th birthday, in Scotland they are eligible up until their 26th birthday.
- The UCAS application fee is currently set at £28.95.
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UCAS
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.
UCAS’ services support young people making post-18 choices, as well as mature learners, by providing information, advice, and guidance to inspire and facilitate educational progression to universities and colleges.
UCAS manages almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.
UCAS is committed to delivering a first-class service to all our beneficiaries — they're at the heart of everything we do.