We offer a Care Leavers Bursary to eligible undergraduate or PGCE (Initial Teacher Training) students. This amounts to £4,800 over four years of study (£1,200 per academic year, pro rata if you are studying part-time) including either foundation year or PGCE, but excluding apprenticeships. The award is not paid during any repeat years of study, however if you are repeating a year then you may be eligible for the CCCU Grant for that year.

To be eligible for the Care Leavers bursary you need to meet the following criteria.

• You are under 25 years of age, in care, or a care leaver, in the UK and: are, or have been, looked after under a Care Order when age 16 for at least 13 weeks

or

• you are recognised by the Foyer Federation, or have otherwise been homeless.

Additional criteria:

• Your household income is £25,000 per year or less.
• You are normally resident in England.
• Your fees for each year of study are more than £6,165 (full-time) or £4,625 (part-time).
• You do not receive other financial support from Canterbury Christ Church University including the Canterbury Christ Church University Grant (other than during a repeat year of study).

You must be able to provide proof of the above if asked to do so. This is usually done through your local authority. For support please contact studentwellbeing@canterbury.ac.uk

Payment schedule and options

A Canterbury Christ Church University Grant will be automatically allocated to eligible students who have a tuition fee loan with the SLC. The SLC will notify you of the amount and make the payments to you on behalf of the University in three instalments over the course of the academic year.

Please note: If you live in our University-owned accommodation, 50% of the grant you receive will be automatically allocated towards the cost of your accommodation. There is also the option to allocate the total amount towards your accommodation payment; once you start University you will be contacted by the Student Fees team regarding this option

You may find connecting with a peer mentor a helpful way to settle into university and learn about academic life. It’s good to know you have someone there to chat to and learn from their own experiences.   

As a care leaver, you’re guaranteed accommodation in your first year of study, and if you need accommodation  for 365 days, this can be arranged. Please declare your care leaver status on your accommodation application form.  

Our other support services include the Mental Wellbeing Team, who support students experiencing mental health difficulties, and the Student Disability Service. You can register with the Student Wellbeing Services here.

Other national organisations that offer support to care leavers are:

• National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) – www.nnecl.org
• Become - www.becomecharity.org.uk
• Propel – www.propel.org.uk