Care Experienced Bursary at University of Essex 2025

Graduation Care Experienced Fund 2024-25

• The University of Essex offers a Graduation package to support Care Experienced graduates attending the 2025 Graduation ceremony.
• This package covers the cost of gown, hood, cap hire, and a photography package.
• This is not a monetary award.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the Graduation Care Experienced Fund, you must meet the following conditions:

• Current or former student eligible for the 2025 Graduation ceremony.
• Home fee-paying student, ordinarily resident in the UK (overseas students are not eligible).
• Undergraduate or postgraduate study.
• Under 25 years old at the start of your final year.
• Care Experienced (includes care leavers or those who have been in care, e.g., foster care, children’s homes, kinship care, etc.).
• Ordinary Residence: You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years prior to starting your course.

Ineligible Students:

• Students who do not meet the Care Experienced criteria.
• Students studying through University of Essex Partners (e.g., Kaplan, University of Essex Online).
• Sponsored by an employer.
• Distance learning or Higher/Degree Apprenticeship students.

Required Evidence:

• Care leaver: Letter from your Personal Adviser or After Care Social Worker.
• Care experienced student: Letter from the local authority or organization that managed your care, confirming the type of care you received.
• Graduation Eligibility:
• You must meet all criteria to attend the Graduation ceremony and receive the package.
• If you become ineligible for Graduation, you will lose the eligibility for this package.
• No cash alternative or transfer to a later ceremony.

How to Apply:

• Spring Graduation Deadline: Friday 20 March 2025 (Ceremony from 7 to 11 April 2025)
• Summer Graduation Deadline: Thursday 3 July 2025 (Ceremony from 14 to 18 July 2025)

Steps:

• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Read the Terms and Conditions.
• Register for Blackbullion if not already registered.
• Go to the Funds tab and select "Graduation Care Experienced Fund."
• Complete the application form, upload required evidence, and submit.

Application Process:

• Applications are assessed on a discretionary basis with limited funds.
• Expect an outcome within 3 weeks after a complete application is submitted (including all evidence).

Delivery Details:

• Successful applicants will receive a graduation photography package and gown hire for the ceremony.
• The Graduation and Awards Team will arrange gown collection and contact applicants for final details before the ceremony.