The Unite Foundation Scholarship provides a hassle-free home at university for care leavers, care experienced students in Scotland, and estranged young people. This scholarship covers accommodation and bills for up to three years, including holidays and the summer after graduation, offering stability and support throughout your undergraduate studies.
The Unite Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting young people from challenging backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education. Since its inception, the foundation has helped over 800 students by providing secure housing and a supportive community at its partner universities across the UK.
Unite Foundation Scholarship Benefits
- Free en-suite student accommodation in a shared flat
- 365-day coverage – including holidays and post-graduation summer
- No rent, bills, deposits, or guarantors needed
- Option to relocate for placements or jobs
- Participation in student support events and career opportunities
- Support and guidance from the Unite Foundation team
Unite Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- 25 or under
- A statutory care leaver, care experienced (Scotland), or estranged from your family
- Starting or studying your first undergraduate degree
- Eligible for UK home fee status
- Applying to one of the Unite Foundation’s partner universities
How to Apply for Unite Foundation Scholarship?
- Read the application guidance document
- Fill out the online application form via the provided link
- Submit your form with the required documentation (e.g., student finance letters, LA confirmation, etc.)
- For help, contact: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Unite Foundation Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this accommodation support program for care leavers and estranged students in the UK.
What does the Unite Foundation Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides free student accommodation and bills for up to 3 years at university, including all holidays and the summer after graduation. It does not cover tuition fees. Recipients get an en-suite room in a shared flat with no rent, bills, deposits, or guarantors required.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
You must be 25 or under, a statutory care leaver, care experienced (Scotland), or estranged from your family. You need to be starting or studying your first undergraduate degree, eligible for UK home fee status, and applying to one of the Unite Foundation’s partner universities.
What is the application deadline for the 2026/27 scholarship?
The application deadline is 23:59 on Friday 19th June 2026. The application window is currently open, and you must submit your complete application with all required documentation by this date.
Which universities can I study at with this scholarship?
You must study at one of the Unite Foundation’s partner universities, which include institutions in Bath, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Portsmouth, and Sheffield. Examples are University of Bristol, King’s College London, and University of Edinburgh.
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship lasts up to 3 years, renewable annually, covering your standard undergraduate degree duration. It includes the summer after graduation but excludes foundation years or repeated/resit years. Accommodation is provided year-round, including holidays.
What support does the Unite Foundation provide beyond accommodation?
The Unite Foundation team helps you settle in, maintains regular contact, and offers opportunities for employment and enjoyment. They provide ongoing support, guidance, and community events to help scholarship recipients succeed at university.
How many scholarships are available for 2026/27?
There are 70 scholarships available for the 2026/2027 academic year. Selection is based on meeting eligibility criteria, supporting documentation, and correct application submission, with priority possibly given based on need and university quotas.
What does ‘care experienced’ mean for Scottish applicants?
For Scotland, ‘care experienced’ means you have been looked after by a local authority at any stage in your life. This is the Scottish equivalent of the ‘care leaver’ category used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can international students apply for this scholarship?
No, only UK home fee status students are eligible. This means UK citizens or those with settled/pre-settled status, refugee/asylum status, or indefinite leave to remain. The scholarship is not open to international or EU fee-paying students.
How do I prove my status as a care leaver or estranged student?
You need supporting documentation from Student Finance, SAAS, or your local authority confirming your status. For estranged students, this means verification by Student Finance/SAAS as independent due to breakdown with both parents.
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