Support for Unpaid Student Carers in Higher Education

It’s the time of year when young people think about their post-secondary school/college plans. Being a carer can present unique obstacles for those considering the next steps, including going to university. However, UCAS offer support to assist young adult carers in navigating higher education.

Help available from universities

Students with caring responsibilities can access various forms of support applying and during their studies. It’s important for students to research and contact their chosen universities early to discuss their specific circumstances and support needs. It’s common for student carers to feel that their caring role might hinder their prospects of attending university due to financial concerns, worries about balancing studies with their caring responsibilities, or concerns about who would take over their caregiving duties in their absence. Universities and colleges provide academic help through flexible deadlines, workload management assistance, and priority access to academic and career opportunities. Financial aid in the form of bursaries and scholarships is also available, and some institutions offer health and well-being support services on campus.

Carer passport scheme

Universities also offer the Carer Passport scheme, a system that allows the sharing of information with relevant staff. By disclosing their caring responsibilities in their UCAS application, students can ensure that universities fully understand their circumstances and can provide the right support. Importantly, this information is only shared with those responsible for arranging support and students can choose what support they accept or decline.

Find out more about student carer support

More information on student carer support can be found on the UCAS website: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/students-individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities