Applying to university can be an exciting but daunting time for any young person. But for care-experienced students there are extra things to consider, such as how to pay for university without the support network of their peers, where they're going to live during the holidays, and what support is available. As an adviser you are in a unique position to help them navigate this process and give them the confidence to take this next step.
Here are five key ways to help them feel confident, informed, and supported.
1. Help them find out about support at universities
Universities offer a wide range of support for their care-experienced students, but this care can vary between providers. Encouraging students to start researching this support early can help them feel reassured and prepared.
A great starting point is Become’s Propel Search. Each university has an individual page outlining the support available, including contact details for the designated member of staff/named contact.
Students can quickly find information on:
- bursaries and scholarships
- year-round accommodation
- key support contacts at the university
Encourage students to contact the designated member of staff/named contact before they apply, as many universities offer pre-entry support such as:
- travel funding for interviews and open days
- outreach events
- bespoke campus visits
Reaching out early can help young people feel they belong and know support is available.
2. Signpost to support from Become
Care-experienced young people can also get support from Become’s Propel into Education Team, who offer:
- 1-to-1 advice
- online workshops on topics like student finance, thinking about university, and preparing to start
- dedicated support programmes
The Uni Ready Programme offers bespoke 1-to-1 support to young people through every stage, from choosing courses to accessing funding and getting ready to start.
3. Guide them through entry requirements and contextual offers
Many universities offer contextual offers to care-experienced students. These may include reduced entry requirements, recognising that their educational journeys may have been different.
Support students by helping them:
- research entry requirements
- check universities contextual admissions policies
- ccntact the designated member of staff/named contact for advice
Remind students that even if they receive a contextual offer, working hard to achieve the best grades possible will keep more options open.
4. Encourage young people to ‘tick the box’ on the UCAS application
One of the easiest ways for care-experienced students to access support from universities is ‘ticking the box’ on their UCAS application and upload supporting information through document upload.
Sharing they are care-experienced helps universities:
- contact students about financial and accommodation support
- consider them for contextual offers
- offer application or transition support
‘Ticking the box’ may feel daunting, but letting students know it's a simple yes/no question and reassuring them this information is kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis can help them feel confident to share their care-experience.
Read more about three reasons to tick the box.
5. Be a steady, encouraging presence
Many care-experienced young people navigate this process alone, so the stability you can provide matters.
Simple actions can make a huge difference:
- Regular check-ins.
- Celebrating their progress.
- Reassuring them that they belong at university.
University is absolutely within reach for care-experienced young people. With the right information, encouragement, and someone in their corner, they can go into the process with confidence.
If you would like any advice on supporting your students, you can contact the Propel into Education Team at Become at propel@becomecharity.org.uk.
UCAS tools to support care-experienced students
- Scholarships search tool – help them find scholarships, bursaries, and grants.
- Outreach connection service – connect them with support like taster days, summer schools, or mentoring.
- Supporting care-experienced students toolkit – your guide to supporting them every step of the way.
- Care leavers application fee waiver – promote the fee waiver to help them benefit.
- Uploading supporting documents to the application – direct to Clearing 2026 and 2027 applicants can upload documents to support their fee waiver claim.