Manchester Metropolitan University is pleased to announce the Care Leavers and Experience of Care Scholarship for the academic year 2026/2027. This scholarship has been established through generous donations to support undergraduate students who have spent time living in public care as a child or young person. The award aims to promote social mobility by providing sustained financial assistance to eligible care leavers and care-experienced students enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programmes at the University.
Manchester Metropolitan University traces its origins to 1824, when it began as the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute, established to provide practical education for working people. Over time, several colleges in Manchester merged to form the university, which gained full university status in 1992. Today, Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK’s largest universities, known for its strong focus on professional education, research, and links with industry.
Table of Briefs
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Care Leavers and Experience of Care Scholarship |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Institution | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| Number of Awards | 2 students |
| Value | £6,000 Years 1 & 2, £8,000 Final Year |
| Total Support | Up to £20,000 per student |
| Fee Status | UK tuition fees |
| Mode of Study | Full-time |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Start Date | 28 September 2026 |
| Application Period | 1 January – 31 August 2026 |
Background
The Care Leavers and Experience of Care Scholarship is designed to support students who have spent time living in public care as a child or young person. Funded through generous donations over many years, this scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers and improve social mobility for care-experienced students entering higher education. It provides targeted financial support to help students focus on their studies and successfully complete their undergraduate degree.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Care Leavers and Experience of Care Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Hold a firm offer for a new, full-time undergraduate degree starting in the 2026/2027 academic year
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Be in the first year of undergraduate study only
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Have spent time living in public care as a looked-after child or young person
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Have a household income of £25,000 or less, verified through Student Finance
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Be a UK student English, Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish paying standard full-time tuition fees
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Possess a valid UK Student Support Number (SSN)
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Pay course fees personally via student loan or parental support
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Not be funded by a business, charity, or other external organisation
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Courses such as foundation years and distance learning are excluded
Benefits
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£6,000 per year in Year 1 and Year 2
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£8,000 in the final year
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Financial support is paid across the duration of the degree, subject to continued eligibility
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Designed to help with living costs, accommodation, study materials, and general expenses
Application Process
Before applying, students are strongly advised to read the application advice and terms and conditions carefully.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
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Complete the online scholarship application form
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The form will be available from 1 January 2026
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Upload evidence of your care experience, as applicable:
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Care leavers: Letter from your local authority personal advisor confirming status
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Care-experienced students: Official documents confirming time in public care e.g., local authority letter
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Estranged students: Confirmation letter or email from the Student Loans Company
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If no evidence is available: Upload a Word document explaining your care experience, including local authority name and dates in care
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Submit the application before 31 August 2026
Important Dates
Applications Deadline: 31 August 2026
Conclusion
The Care Leavers and Experience of Care Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for students with care experience to access meaningful financial support throughout their undergraduate journey. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this scholarship can significantly ease financial stress and help you focus on achieving academic and career success.