Care experienced students – help with study-related costs

Care experienced Open University students in Scotland can apply for financial support available specifically to help them with study related costs.  

We know that many care experienced students have faced challenges in accessing higher education and in managing their studies alongside everything else going on in their lives. This financial support intends to recognise care experienced students’ achievements and provide some extra support where needed.  

The definition of care experience we use is anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked after background at any stage of their life, no matter how short, including adopted children who were previously looked after. 

There is a Care Experienced Bursary available for general study related costs: 

• A single payment of up to £250 per student. 
• For general study related costs, such as an office chair or desk, or internet access. 
• For OU students across the UK. 
• Currently open for applications for students actively studying during the current academic year, 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. 
• More information on the eligibility criteria and the application form is available to students by logging onto the Care Experienced Bursary webpage.