Care Leavers Bursary

We recognise the unique challenges that care leavers may face and are committed to helping ease some of the financial pressures during your time at university. From September 2025, we’re introducing a new Care Leavers Bursary to provide dedicated financial support to eligible students.

Award: A cash bursary of £1,000 per year to eligible undergraduate, home (UK), full-time students, subject to continuing eligibility. Bursaries will be paid directly to students in cash instalments.

Eligibility: You will be eligible to receive the Care Leaver Bursary from September 2025 if you meet ALL the following criteria:

• You are enrolled on a full-time undergraduate degree course
• You have been assessed by your UK National Student Finance Service (i.e. Student Finance England) as a care leaver; and;
• You are under the age of 25 in the year you are assessed for the bursary.

Please note that overseas students, EU students, postgraduate students, part-time students, online students, PGCE students, and students studying professional courses are not eligible for this support.

How do I apply?

You do not need to make an application for the Care Leavers Bursary. Entitlement is assessed automatically using the details given to the University by your Funding Authority (i.e. Student Finance England / Wales / Northern Ireland / SAAS).

Our Student Money Advisors can support you with any process relating to assessment of care leaver status: email smart@derby.ac.uk