Higher education

There is a range of financial support available for young people over the age of 18 who is entering higher education. This includes help:

• to prepare for university
• whilst studying
• when the course is completed

The financial support includes a weekly allowance which will be provided during term time, regardless of whether you access a student maintenance loan. This will help reduce the amount of student costs and debt accrued. It is also in recognition that care experienced young people may not have extra support. For example, there are additional allowances available during the summer holidays to cover accommodation costs.

Allowances

Your personal adviser will help you apply for grants, loans and allowances that all students can apply for. They will also help you apply for the Fair Access support (practical and financial) that all universities have for care experienced students.

The allowances from Cumberland includes:

• a grant to cover the UCAS application process
• home to university travel grant to enable 3 return trips per year
• a weekly living allowance of £71.70 per week during term time
• Higher Education Bursary of £2,000 paid over the duration of the course
• a grant of up to £225 per year to cover the cost of equipment, textbooks and IT
• costs a computer grant if not used previously
• accommodation costs paid over the 3 holiday periods if needed (up to 22 weeks)
• £500 graduation grant on course completion
• £300 graduation grant to cover the costs of cap, gown, photos and the event/celebration costs