Care leavers

If you have been in care a Foyer Residence or been homeless prior to coming to university you may face challenges in addition to those which the majority of students in Higher Education face.

The Student Funds Administrator in the Hub may be able to offer you help if you are experiencing difficulties with your finances or are considering leaving Higher Education because you are finding it difficult to budget your day-to-day living costs and rental payments.

Coming to university should be an enjoyable experience and we are here to ensure that limited finance is not a barrier to your participation and the successful completion of your chosen course of study.

Please contact Patrick Coughlan in the Hub for further information by either emailing p.j.coughlan@aston.ac.uk or by telephoning 0121 204 4740

National Scholarship Programme

If when applying to Aston University via the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for entry onto your first degree from September 2012 you have indicated your care leaver status in the application process, you will be eligible for a scholarship of £3,000 in your first year towards the payment of your tuition fees. 

These scholarships are available to home (UK) students who are receiving financial support from Student Finance England and whose houshold income is up to and including £14,500 per year.

Care Leavers Bursary / Higher Education Bursary

Young people from care who are entering university from September 2009 and onwards will be entitled to apply for a
one-off £2,000 Care Leavers Bursary from their Local Authority this Bursary can be accessed via the young person’s
social worker / personal adviser. 

To find your Local Authority please click here.

If you live in Birmingham the contact details are:

By clicking here the link will take you to the organisation 'Voice' who provide advocates that may assist in solving care-related issues you may have

Aston University accommodation

As a care leaver the University guarantees you a room within the on-campus halls of residence for 52 weeks of the year and for the full duration of your course.  Please contact accom@aston.ac.uk for further information and details of how and when to apply.

The Buttle Trust UK Grant scheme

If you are a young person who is estranged from their family and you are entering higher education, you may apply for a grant from the Buttle Trust UK.  Grants are awarded to assist students with their living costs and ultimately to assist you in gaining an academic qualification.

Further information can be found at the Buttle Trust UK website http://www.buttleuk.org/pages/help-for-young-people.html

Checked & updated PJC 30/07/2012