If you’re a care leaver, care experienced (Scotland), or estranged student planning to attend university in the UK, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme 2025/2026 is now open for applications – and it’s bringing big news: up to three (03) years of rent-free, bill-free student accommodation is up for grabs.
Getting into university is a huge achievement, but for many care-experienced and estranged students, the challenge of securing stable housing can make the journey incredibly difficult. The Unite Foundation understands this, and that’s why their scholarship doesn’t just offer financial support – it covers your housing needs entirely, letting you focus on what matters: your education, growth, and future.
With the support of Unite Students – a leading provider of student accommodation in the UK – this unique scholarship helps students from challenging backgrounds thrive at some of the UK’s top universities.
Benefits Package: What the Scholarship Offers
Here’s what selected students will receive under the Unite Foundation Scholarship:
- Up to 3 years of free student accommodation in a modern, purpose-built en-suite room in a shared flat.
- 365 days of housing per year, so you don’t have to move out during the holidays.
- No rent, no bills, no deposit, and no guarantor required.
- Access to safe, comfortable, furnished rooms with communal kitchens, Wi-Fi, laundry, and support services.
- Flexibility to relocate to a Unite Students property in another city (if needed for a placement or holiday job).
- Engagement opportunities through Unite Foundation events, media projects, and student community building.
- Students can reapply annually for up to three years (excluding foundation years or years involving resits).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship, you must meet the following core requirements:
You are:
-
- 25 or under on 1 September 2025
- Starting or continuing your first undergraduate degree (not a second degree or foundation year)
- Studying or planning to study at a Unite Foundation partner university
- Classified as a UK home fee status student
- In receipt of (or applying for) student finance support as a care leaver/experienced/estranged student
AND you must be:
`1# A Care Leaver (England, Wales, NI): Aged 16–25 and recognized by a Local Authority with legal care leaver status.
2# Care Experienced (Scotland): Aged 16–25 and previously looked after by a Local Authority.
3# Estranged from Parents: Recognized by student finance or SAAS as an “independent student” due to permanent breakdown of contact with both parents.
Supporting documents from student finance or your local authority will be required to confirm your eligibility.
Partner Universities for 2025/26
You must be enrolled in (or have a firm offer from) one of the following 25 partner universities, including:
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- University of Bristol
- Queen Mary University of London
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- De Montfort University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of the West of England
- And many more across England, Scotland, and Wales
Note: Only main campus students are eligible – satellite or franchise locations do not qualify.
Apply: https://thisisusatuni.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25_26-Public-Guidance.pdf
Application Deadline
The application submission deadlines for the Unite Foundation Scholarship 2025/26:
- Application Period: 1 January 2025 – 13 June 2025
- Final Application Deadline: 13 June 2025 at 23:59
- University Confirmation Deadline: 20 June 2025 at 11:59
- Scholarship Results Announced: By 3 July 2025 at 3:00 PM
- Accommodation Arrangements Finalized: July – August 2025
- Reserve List Clearing Period Ends: 29 August 2025
Note: There are 70 scholarships available this year. The competition is strong, so make sure to complete your application accurately and early.
