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UCAS expands fee waiver to care leavers

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Care leavers will no longer have to pay to apply to university or college in a move that UCAS hopes could benefit several thousand students each year.

UCAS has announced it is expanding its application fee waiver to cover care leavers up to age 26* across the UK from the 2027 cycle, in a bid to encourage more to apply to university or college.

The latest figures from the Department for Education show just 13% of care leavers progressed to higher education (HE) by age 19 by 2023-24 compared to the progression rate for all other pupils which was more than three times higher at 46%.

Care leavers can face specific challenges when considering and deciding on their options, including a lack of family or financial support. By waiving the fee, UCAS aims to make it easier for more care leavers to take that next step and apply to higher education. Sharing their information earlier will also mean universities and colleges can offer them tailored support throughout the application process and before they start their course. 

Read the full article here: UCAS expands fee waiver to care leavers after tens of thousands on free school meals benefit from first scheme | UCAS