Care Leavers and Estranged Students Bursary
This bursary is for students who are under 25 when they start their studies, and who also meet one of the following conditions: come to York as a care leaver (or through the national Foyer Federation), or who are irreconcilably estranged from their parents (or both parents have passed away).
The package is available for each year of full-time study for the duration of the course, reduced by 50% for full-year sandwich placements or study-abroad years.
The value of the award is:
- First year of study: £3,000
- Subsequent years : £2,500
- Final year: £2,500, plus £1,000 to be paid at the end of semester 2 to assist with graduation and interview costs.
Open to UK (home) students only.
The bursary is open to students with a 'Home' fee status. If you're unsure whether you're classed as a UK or international student for fee purposes, check your fee status.
For full eligibility criteria, see our Bursaries page.
There is no application process, as students are automatically assessed for eligibility for a bursary based on the information they provide on their Student Loan application.
There are three bursary assessment periods during the academic year: October, January and April.
If you want to be included in the assessment, please ensure you have your Student Finance application means tested prior to the first working day in October.
If you or your sponsor(s) opt out of your student funding provider sharing information with the University, we will be unable to assess your eligibility for a bursary.
For full application details, see our Bursaries FAQ page.
Contact details
Dedicated support for Independent Students
+ 44 (0)1904 324140
student-independent@york.ac.uk
This bursary has been partly funded through kind donations from York alumni, and supporters to the University of Opportunity fund.
Donations to York are facilitated by our Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni. They work with bursary students to broaden understanding of the impact of philanthropy, and may contact some recipients about whether they would like to be involved in this work.
Careers and Placements' On Track programme for 2025/26
The University currently offers an exclusive opportunity for undergraduates in receipt of either a York Bursary or Care Leavers and Estranged Students Bursary to participate in On Track.
On Track is an opt-in programme that offers opportunities in a range of activities designed to help students develop key employability skills over the year.
This includes access to professional development workshops, and one-to-one coaching aimed to build confidence and professional networks along the way.
Details of the 2025/26 On Track programme are still to be confirmed. If you're an undergraduate, and receive a letter about your bursary eligibility, look out for further information from September 2025. This will come from the Careers and Placements team via Handshake.
If you receive your bursary award letter later on during the 2025/26 academic year, and would like to know more, contact Careers and Placements.
Contact us
If you have questions relating to any of our funding opportunities, please see the contact details on the specific scholarship or bursary page.