Elsewhere on Ulster
This section highlights universities in Northern Ireland and the support available for care experienced students. Each institution offers different services, including financial support, accommodation and dedicated staff to help throughout the student journey.
St Mary’s University College welcomes applications from students who have been looked after by their Trust/local authority in foster or residential care. We offer a range of support (pre-entry, time in study and post-graduation) for those leaving care or who have previously spent time in care.
This support includes application advice, a ‘Taster Day’, College bursary, access to an academic tutor, access to confidential counselling and the advice and guidance of a dedicated student support team.
Stranmillis University College currently offers care experience applicants and students a range of financial, pastoral, and academic support for the duration of any of our 4 undergraduate degree programmes. These supports include, for example, an overall cash
bursary of between £2,400 and £3,400 (depending on whether it is a 3-year or 4-year degree pathway); a full non-means tested year round free Halls Accommodation or equivalent; assistance with moving and transport between accommodation; pre-interview support; a pre-entry preparation course; and a dedicated care leaver co-ordinator available for confidential one-to- one support for the duration of the degree.
Ulster University encourages applications from students and will advise young people who have been looked after by their Trust/local Authority in foster or residential care.
If a young person is leaving care or has previously spent time in care for three months or more and is thinking of applying to the University, there is a range of services and provision that Ulster University can offer. For example, we may be able to provide financial support, year-round accommodation and advice and guidance from our Community Engagement Outreach Officer.
Those full time undergraduates who meet this criterion are eligible for £1000 Care Leavers Bursary per year whilst studying at Ulster University.
Queen’s University, Belfast welcome applications from perspective students who have experience of care.
A range of support services are offered including dedicated staff who are there to help with information and support before entering, when joining, and as students’ progress through their studies at Queen’s. Support includes, access to independent financial advice, accommodation options with 52 week contracts, dedicated staff who can offer information, advice and guidance, access to learning and career development support and counselling. Care experiences students can also access an annual bursary and SUQCESS fund to financially support students’ academic studies and careers.
A range of social events are organised throughout the year to build a student network and have some fun!
The Open University (OU) provides accessible, flexible learning opportunities for individuals from care-experienced backgrounds in Northern Ireland. With no formal entry requirements for most of our courses, the OU supports diverse learners from a wide range of backgrounds.
Financial assistance is available through grants, scholarships, and tailored support to help cover tuition fees and study costs. The OU also offers a wide range of free resources on OpenLearn to build confidence and skills. Dedicated student advisors ensure personalised guidance, while flexible study options enable learning at a pace that suits individual needs, empowering care-experienced students to achieve their goals and transform their futures.
