Who we are
Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re moving on from Care. To help make the transition smoother, we’ve developed a tailored package of guidance and support designed specifically for Care Leavers.
Anne McGrath, our Care Leaver Adviser and Coordinator, is your dedicated point of contact. Based within Student Advice, she provides confidential support throughout your studies and is here to help you navigate university life with confidence.
How we can help
How do we define a Care Leaver?
A care leaver is a young person who has been in Local Authority care, including public care, foster care, semi-independent living, or residential care homes.
Our commitment to supporting Care Leavers
We are dedicated to:
- collaborating with looked-after young people to increase the number of care leavers entering higher education
- raising awareness of the unique needs of students from care backgrounds
- empowering care leavers to maximize their higher education experience and successfully complete their courses
- assisting higher education providers in identifying the best ways to support care leavers
- contributing to a national framework to help Local Authorities fulfill their obligations to care leavers
Types of support
We provide a wide range of support for care leavers, and we've highlighted some key areas below. For comprehensive details on all the support available, please download our information sheet for care leavers.
As a care leaver, you will receive priority consideration for university student hall accommodation year-round, ensuring you have a place to stay throughout your studies.
To secure your accommodation, please request a letter from your Leaving Care team confirming your status as a care leaver and your need for housing.
For more details, get in touch with our Student Accommodation team.
Tutorial support
University tutors are available to offer additional assistance—just reach out to your personal tutor.
If you need help communicating with your tutor, Anne McGrath in Student Advice is here to support you.
Financial support: Care Leaver Bursary
If you're a UK home student, assessed as independent as a Care Leaver, you may be eligible to apply for a University bursary of up to £1,000 each year. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you may get in touch with the Student Advice to arrange an Engage Appointment.
Closing date for application: Friday 26 June 2026
Apply for the Care Leaver Bursary
Accommodation scholarships
The University of Westminster is thrilled to partner with the Unite Foundation, which annually offers full accommodation scholarships for Care Leavers and Estranged students. These scholarships provide housing in Unite Hall for the entire duration of your course.
Applications for the September 2025 entry will open in January 2025—don't miss this fantastic opportunity!
For the online application form and detailed information, please visit the Unite Foundation website.
Employability support
If you need assistance with job searching or career exploration, Janet Willoughby from our Career and Employability Service is here to help. You can reach her by contacting the university Student Centre.
Further support
contact us
Contact us at the Student Centre
When emailing us, please make sure you include your Student ID number