The Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme 2026/27 offers a unique form of financial support for students in the United Kingdom who are care experienced, care leavers, or estranged from their families. Instead of providing a cash award or tuition fee reduction, the scholarship covers one of the most significant costs associated with university life: accommodation.
Established in 2012 and supported by Unite Students, the Unite Foundation aims to remove housing barriers that often prevent vulnerable students from accessing or completing higher education. The program has already supported hundreds of students across the UK, helping them pursue university studies with greater financial stability and security.
For the 2026/27 academic year, 70 scholarship places are available across 22 partner universities located in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Details
The Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme is designed specifically to support students who enter university without the family support systems that many others rely on. The scholarship provides free accommodation in purpose-built student housing for eligible undergraduate students attending one of the program’s partner universities.
The accommodation provided through the scholarship is located within Unite Students properties and includes a private bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. The housing is available throughout the year, ensuring that students have stable accommodation during both academic terms and holiday periods.
Scholarship recipients may receive accommodation support for up to three years during their undergraduate degree. These years do not necessarily need to be consecutive and may accommodate situations such as placements or changes in academic schedules.
Benefits
The Unite Foundation Scholarship provides comprehensive accommodation support for eligible students.
Key benefits include:
• A private ensuite bedroom in purpose-built student accommodation at no cost
• Coverage of all housing-related expenses including rent, utility bills, and internet access
• Accommodation available 365 days per year, including university holidays
• No housing deposit or guarantor requirement
• Accommodation support for up to three years of undergraduate study
• Access to maintenance services, on-site support staff, and emergency assistance
• Shared facilities such as laundry rooms and bicycle storage areas
In certain cases, students undertaking internships or work placements in another city may apply for temporary accommodation within another Unite Students property, subject to availability.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the Unite Foundation Scholarship.
Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
• Care experienced students in Scotland who were looked after by a Local Authority at any point after the age of 16
• Statutory care leavers in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland with official care leaver status confirmed by their Local Authority or student finance provider
• Students who are estranged from both biological or adoptive parents, or their only living parent, and have been officially assessed as independent by Student Finance or the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) due to parental estrangement
In addition to meeting one of the above categories, applicants must also meet the following conditions:
• Must be aged 25 or under on 1 September 2026
• Must be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program
• Must not be undertaking a foundation year or postgraduate program during the 2026/27 academic year
• Must hold a firm offer from, or currently be studying at, one of the Unite Foundation partner universities
• Must be studying at the campus associated with the partner university
• Must have UK home fee status
• Must be receiving or applying for tuition fee and maintenance loans through Student Finance or SAAS reflecting their care or estranged status
Required Documents
Applicants will need to provide evidence supporting their eligibility and academic status. Required documents may include:
• Proof of admission or enrollment at a partner university
• Documentation confirming care experienced or care leaver status from the relevant Local Authority or SAAS
• Evidence of estranged status verified through Student Finance or SAAS where applicable
• Confirmation of eligibility for student finance support
• Identification and supporting personal documentation as required by the application process
Applicants should ensure that all documentation is complete and submitted according to the scholarship guidelines.
Application Process / How to Apply
Students interested in the Unite Foundation Scholarship must complete an online application through the Unite Foundation scholarship application system.
Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their academic plans, university admission status, and eligibility category. Supporting documents confirming care experience, care leaver status, or estrangement must also be submitted as part of the application.
After submission, applications are reviewed by the Unite Foundation and partner universities to determine eligibility and assess candidates based on their circumstances and potential to benefit from the program.
Successful applicants will be notified following the review process and will receive further instructions regarding accommodation arrangements with Unite Students properties.
Apply Now: https://www.unitefoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FINAL-26_27-Public-Guidance.pdf
Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme 2026/27 is 19 June 2026 at 23:59. Applicants are advised to ensure that their application forms and supporting evidence are completed and submitted before the deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.
