KU Cares: bursaries and support for care leavers, estranged students, young adult carers and sanctuary scholars

KU Cares - Supporting care leavers, estranged students, young adult carers and sanctuary scholars

Our package includes financial support, access to year-round accommodation, paid work opportunities, mentoring schemes, social and networking events, and contributions to research. This is in addition to a dedicated KU Cares team who will support you from the point of application through to graduation. You will be eligible for our pre-application support which includes our Head Start summer programme.

If you have any questions or are unsure of your eligibility please email us.

Learn more about KU Cares support and eligibility

In recognition of the challenges sometimes experienced by eligible KU Cares students (including personal and educational disruption), the KU Cares Team can advocate for applicants during the admissions process. Students should contact the KU Cares Team to discuss as soon as possible.

All information provided by students will be held in the strictest confidence, and only shared when necessary and with your permission.

We provide support for UK undergraduate students who are aged 25 and under when they start their course and are part of the following groups. Please check your eligibility and evidence required for the scheme on the relevant pages.

Two art students sitting on wall chatting

Care leavers and care experienced students

Learn more about the financial support, bursaries, accommodation, graduation, outduction and the designated contact to support you.

Student standing on Town House balcony

Estranged students

Learn more about the £1,500 KU Cares Bursary, priority for the Kingston Bursary, access to year-round accommodation in Kingston University halls of residence and a designated contact to support you.

student filling out forms with help from KU staff

Sanctuary Scholars

Learn more about the four full-fee remitted places for undergraduates, an annual £5,000 bursary to support with living costs and a designated contact to support you.

Young adult carers

Learn more about the £500 Young Adult Carer Bursary, priority for the Kingston Bursary, accommodation, and specialist support.

What do I do now?

Email KU Cares with questions and for advice on eligibility.

Meet the KU Cares Team

We are here to support you throughout your journey at Kingston University – before you join us, all the way through to graduation.

Lydia Ansong, Access and Support Adviser

Lydia Ansong

"I'm your designated contact for estranged student and Sanctuary Scholars. Contact me by emailing KU Cares."

Kelly Ewing, Access and Support Adviser

Kelly Ewing

"I provide support throughout the student lifecycle to KU Cares eligible students, and am the designated contact for students with an experience of local authority care, and young adult carers. Contact me by emailing KU Cares."

Celebrating 15 years of KU cares

We are very proud that 2021 marked the 15-year anniversary of KU Cares, our award winning, comprehensive package of support for care leavers, estranged students, young adult carers and sanctuary scholars at Kingston University.

Celebrating 15 years of KU cares