Being a Care Leaver

Providing financial advice and support to students who have been in care

Support for Care Leavers

Swansea University offers additional support for care experienced young people. We have a support package which we hope will help you to settle in, focus on your studies and graduate successfully.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for the support package, you need to:

Be aged 25 or under when you start the course
Have been in Local Authority Care for at least 13 weeks since the age of 14
Have been in Local Authority Care at school leaving age (16) or after

This means that if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can benefit from all of the support arrangements offered by Swansea University at any time. If and when you do come to study at Swansea University you remain entitled to the support until the completion of your course.

How do I access the package?

You can declare on your UCAS application form that you have been in care, or your Social Services Team can let us know that you are a Care Leaver.

One of our team will be in contact with you directly before you start at university to outline the Care Leaver support package and provide information on how to access the Care Leaver Bursary.

What pre entry support is available?

Assistance with your application to the University
If you would like support with the application process, experienced University staff can help you to complete your UCAS form.

Financial assistance to attend interviews and Open Days
We can help organise your visit and arrange for your named contact to meet you. Travel costs can be reimbursed (this will usually include 2nd class rail travel and other public transport costs).

Care Leavers Compact Deal
As a ‘Compact Student’ you will receive a reduction in your required A-level grade (or equivalent) which will reduce our requirements by one A-level grade (or equivalent). Terms and Conditions apply.

Accommodation Deposit
When you are offered accommodation, you’ll need to pay a deposit to secure your accommodation. If you are worried about these costs, please do get in touch to discuss your options.

What support is available whilst studying?

Care Leavers Bursary
We offer a Care Leaver bursary in each year of study to undergraduate students. Postgraduate students are eligible to receive a postgraduate Care Leaver bursary which is a one off payment per course.

Welcome Pack
We understand that you may not have all the basic necessities needed to move into your new accommodation. If you are worried about the cost of purchasing items such as bedding and kitchen essentials, please do get in touch.

Money Management & Budgeting Session
Student Loans are paid in three instalments. As a student this may be the first time you have had to handle such large amounts of money. To help you do this successfully, we are on hand to provide advice and guidance on budgeting.

Priority Access to Hardship Funds
As a Care Leaver, you have priority access to the Swansea University Opportunity Award. This award is in place to help students who have faced unforeseen financial difficulties. There is no guarantee of an award from the fund, however if granted, it does not have to be repaid.

All year round accommodation
Swansea University can guarantee you 365 days a year accommodation on campus for your first year at University including Christmas, Easter and summer holidays providing that you apply early enough. Alternatively, we will also help you to find private accommodation in the local area should you need assistance.

Library Support
As a Care Leaver, you have access to a named contact through the Library Plus team who can provide support services. For more information, please visit the Library Support page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/library/student-support/libraryplus/

Go Wales and Swansea Employability Academy Support
Your named contact can support you in making connections with our Go Wales team and Swansea Employability Academy. Go Wales run the Achieve Through Work Experience programme which is an initiative to create work experience opportunities for students on higher education courses in Wales.

Free access to Skills for Life sessions
Skills for Life offer a range of workshops to improve life skills including first aid, sewing and navigation. Each workshop has an allocated number of free places for Care Leavers. Places are available on a first come first served basis and you’ll have a limited time to book your place.

Access to the Student Ambassador Scheme
As a first year student, you can apply to become a Student Ambassador. We’ll notify you when applications are open and are happy to help with completing an application and preparing for an interview. We’ll also be able to refer you to the Manager of the Student Ambassador Scheme within Swansea Employability Academy.

Free membership to Swansea University’s Alumni Association

As part of the Alumni Association, you can benefit from a wide range of services: get in touch with other former students through the Buddy Board; receive news about the University and fellow alumni via regular e-news bulletins and the annual Sail Magazine

What support is available prior to graduation?

Careers Advice
Prior to completing your studies, we’ll arrange a careers advice appointment with the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA). This service helps students and graduates to make career decisions, gain work experience and find jobs.

Graduation costs
We understand that graduation is a major milestone in a student journey, but it can be expensive. We don’t want the cost to be barrier to not attending graduation. So, if you are a final year Care Leaver who is graduating, you can apply for assistance towards your graduation costs via the Swansea University Opportunity Award.

We respect your confidentiality. The Money@CampusLife office are the only department that will contact you regarding your care background. This information will not be shared outside of the office unless you provide us with consent to do so.

If you would like to get in touch with us please call 01792 606699 or email money.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk