Understanding what support is available to estranged students
Understanding what support is available can be a crucial part of deciding whether Higher Education (HE) feels like a realistic and achievable option for students who are estranged from their parents or family.
UCAS’s Fair Access card “What support can I get if I am estranged?” encourages students to ask whether there is a named contact for estranged students within support teams. Having a clear point of contact can make a big difference, giving students someone they can reach out to with questions and helping them navigate what can otherwise feel like a complex system. For young people making decisions independently, this reassurance can be particularly valuable.
Financial support is another key area to explore. Many HE providers offer bursaries or targeted funding for estranged students, helping with living costs, study materials or unexpected expenses. Knowing this support exists can help reduce uncertainty and allow students to focus on choosing the course and environment that best suits them.
Accommodation is also an important consideration. Students may want to ask about year-round accommodation, support with guarantors and deposits, or help with additional costs. For estranged learners, who may not have a family home to return to during holidays, this type of support can play a significant role in whether HE feels manageable.
The card also highlights whether estrangement is taken into account when setting the conditions of an offer. Some institutions may consider personal circumstances as part of their admissions processes, and understanding this can help students feel more confident about applying.
Equally important is asking about mental health and wellbeing support. Starting university or college is a major transition, and estranged students may face additional pressures. Knowing what services are available, whether counselling, peer networks or dedicated advisers, can help students feel supported from the start.
Resources and guidance from partnerships such as Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) can help professionals and students navigate this information. By bringing together advice, signposting and examples of support available across institutions, they help ensure estranged learners know what questions to ask and where to find answers.
For professionals supporting young people, these prompts provide a helpful framework for conversation. Encouraging students to ask about contacts, funding, accommodation and wellbeing support can help them make informed decisions and identify environments where they will feel supported.
Ultimately, this is about making sure estranged students know they are not expected to navigate these decisions alone. With the right information and encouragement, higher education can feel more accessible, supportiveand achievable.
Rob Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer
