The University of Sunderland is delighted to announced the We Care Postgraduate Bursary for the academic year 2026–2027 to support care-experienced and estranged students pursuing postgraduate study. The bursary provides financial assistance worth £2,500 along with dedicated pastoral support to help eligible students succeed academically and personally during their time at university.
University of Sunderland was founded in 1901 as Sunderland Technical College. Over the years, it expanded its courses and facilities, becoming Sunderland Polytechnic in 1969 before gaining university status in 1992. Today, the university is known for its modern teaching, strong industry connections, and supportive environment for students from around the world.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | We Care Postgraduate Bursary |
| Provider | University of Sunderland |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Award Amount | £2,500 |
| Payment Structure | Four instalments of £625 |
| Eligible Students | Care-experienced and estranged students |
| Application Requirement | No separate application needed |
| Academic Year | 2026–2027 |
| Additional Benefits | Pastoral and wellbeing support |
| Contact Email | estranged.contact@sunderland.ac.uk |
| Contact Number | 0191 515 2216 |
Background
The We Care Postgraduate Bursary is part of the university’s wider support initiative aimed at helping vulnerable and underrepresented students succeed in higher education. Many students who have experienced care systems or family estrangement often face additional emotional and financial pressures while studying.
To reduce these challenges, the university provides tailored assistance through its We Care team alongside a bursary worth £2,500. The funding is intended to help students manage living costs, study expenses, and day-to-day financial pressures while focusing on their academic and career goals.
Eligibility Criteria
Students applying for the bursary must meet the university’s definition of either being care-experienced or estranged.
Care-Experienced Students
Care-experienced students may have:
- Spent time in UK local authority care
- Been in any form of care arrangement
- Experienced care at any stage of life
- No age restriction applies
Estranged Students
Estranged students must:
- Be studying without support from a family network
- Be irreconcilably estranged from both parents or carers
- Be under the age of 25 on 1 September 2026
Students who are uncertain about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the university’s We Care team for advice and guidance.
Benefits
The We Care Postgraduate Bursary provides:
- Total funding of £2,500
- Payments made directly in cash instalments
- Four scheduled payments of £625 each
Instalment Dates
The bursary payments are expected on:
- November 2026
- January 2027
- April 2027
- July 2027
Payments are usually made on the fifth working day of each payment month.
This financial support can help students with:
- Accommodation expenses
- Travel costs
- Learning materials
- Daily living expenses
- Emergency financial needs
Additional Support for Students
One of the most valuable aspects of this bursary is the extra pastoral support offered by the We Care team.
Eligible students may receive:
- Personal guidance and mentoring
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Help settling into university life
- Ongoing contact with support staff
- Advice on academic and personal challenges
This holistic support system helps students feel connected and supported throughout their postgraduate journey.
Application Process
The application process for the bursary is simple because there is no separate bursary application form required.
Step-by-Step Process
- Apply for an eligible postgraduate course at the university.
- Declare your care-experienced or estranged status during the course application.
- The We Care team will contact you for evidence verification.
- Submit the requested supporting documents.
- Once verified, you will receive a provisional bursary award.
- Attend a welcome meeting at the start of the academic year.
After verification, eligible students will automatically be considered for the bursary and support package.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Open
Conclusion
The We Care Postgraduate Bursary is an excellent opportunity for eligible students seeking postgraduate education in the UK. With £2,500 in financial assistance and dedicated support services, students can focus more confidently on their studies and future career ambitions.
Students interested in the bursary should ensure they declare their eligibility during the university application process and remain in touch with the We Care team for guidance and support throughout the admission journey.