Funding application deadline:
31 Aug 2026
To apply for this scholarship you must submit your application on the scholarship providers website by this date.
AberCares Bursary (for Care Leavers, Young Adult Carers, Refugees and Estranged Students)
Scholarship information
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.
£1,250 a year, plus a £500 graduation boost.
If you believe you meet one of the categories below, we encourage you to complete our online application form.
| 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 a third party, such as your Student Finance assessment, or a letter from a professional who is aware of your family circumstances.
Please note that your supporting reference cannot live at the same address as you, be related to you by birth or marriage/civil partnership or be your partner. |
| 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, or evidence of an eVisa. |
| 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 |