Support for carers, care leavers, estranged students and refugees

We understand that going to university can be challenging if you have little family support, if you've had to flee your home country or if you are caring for family members. UWE Cares is here to help.

Committed to helping you

UWE Cares can provide you with extra support so you can succeed on your course and reach your goals. We support Home (UK) undergraduate students who are:

Care leavers or care experienced – students who have lived in supported housing, local authority or foster care for any duration before they turned 18 years old.
Students without parental support (estranged) - people aged under 25 years old at the start of their course, who are studying without the support of both parents.
Student carers – a carer is anyone who offers unpaid, regular, ongoing support to a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support.
Refugees - if you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection by the UK Government or you are a relevant family member of someone who has this status.

If you think you may be eligible for our support but are unsure, please get in touch with us.

What UWE Cares offers

UWE Cares can support you in a number of ways, from providing information and guidance to events, opportunities, specialist careers support and finance through our bursary and accommodation support.

A designated point of contact for queries and concerns, from application through to graduation.
Help to access specialist support services at UWE Bristol.
Enhanced Careers guidance and opportunities, including a Careers Coach and extended access to careers support once you’ve graduated.
Regular communications, providing information about support, opportunities and activities at the University.
Events throughout the year, including a Start of the Year Welcome event and UWE Cares Student Voice events, where you can help shape the developing support that UWE Bristol offers.
Financial support towards moving house and vouchers for new starters.
Care Leavers and estranged students will have the opportunity to apply for the UNITE Accommodation Scholarship, which awards free, Bristol city-centre university accommodation for up to three years.
Undergraduate students who are supported by UWE Cares will also have access to the UWE Cares PG Bursary if you want to continue your studies at UWE Bristol.

The following support may also be available, depending on eligibility:

UWE Cares Bursary of £1,650 per academic year and a £500 bursary when you graduate
UWE Bristol managed accommodation all year round, for every year of your undergraduate study
Advance rent payment for UWE Bristol accommodation options waived.

We're here to help. If you have any questions, contact us at UWECares@uwe.ac.uk.

Eligibility and assessment

Group of students sat talking at a table

UWE Cares video

Our animation, made by graduate and care leaver Rediat Abayneh, explains how we can support you.

"I’ve always felt able to contact UWE Cares and access the support I need. If I didn’t have UWE Cares, I probably wouldn’t have completed my degree. They’ve made a real difference to my time at university. If you’re thinking of coming to university, do it."

Ali, BA(Hons) Forensic Science

Ali BA(Hons) Forensic Science