What do you mean by ‘estranged’?

Estranged students are young people studying without the support and approval of either of their parents due to a breakdown in their relationship. This might be their biological, step or adoptive parents, or possibly wider family members who have been involved in their care.

People experiencing estrangement remove themselves from their family home or are disowned by their parents for many different reasons. As a result, they may struggle with finding accommodation and may be at risk of becoming homeless. They may also be worried about the cost of applying to higher education if their parents are unwilling to support their student finance applications.

If you think this sounds at all like your circumstances, use this question to tell the university or college – many offer a wide range of support to young people in this situation.

Read more about applying to university as an estranged student.

read more frequently asked questions