Unite Foundation and University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham Secures Unite Foundation Accommodation Scholarships 2027/28 for Care-Experienced Students
The University of Nottingham is joining the Unite Foundation's accommodation scholarship provision for the 2027/28 academic year, expanding support for eligible care-experienced and estranged students. The scheme provides rent-free, year-round university accommodation for up to three years, helping students who lack family support manage one of the biggest costs of higher education.
This page is an informational summary. Requirements and dates can change. Confirm every detail on the official provider website before taking action.
About the programme
The Unite Foundation is a UK charity that supports students who have experienced care or are estranged from their families. Its accommodation scholarship programme is designed to give eligible students a safe and stable place to live while they study.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the Foundation plans to make 110 accommodation scholarship places available through its national network of university partners. The University of Nottingham is listed among the participating institutions and is expanding its support for care-experienced and estranged students.
The programme recognises that students without reliable family support may face additional financial pressure, housing insecurity and challenges during university holidays. By removing accommodation costs, the scheme aims to help students concentrate on their studies and complete their degrees.
Who can apply?
Under the Foundation's published eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Be aged 25 or younger.
- Be a statutory care leaver, care-experienced in Scotland, or estranged from their family.
- Be starting or studying for their first undergraduate degree.
- Have UK home tuition-fee status.
- Be applying to, or already studying at, a participating university.
- Meet the scheme's evidence and student-finance requirements.
The Foundation does not fund postgraduate degrees, foundation-year study, second undergraduate degrees or repeat attempts at a first degree under its published scheme rules.
Important for international applicants: This scholarship is not open to students paying international tuition fees. Being admitted to the University of Nottingham is not, by itself, enough to qualify.
The Foundation is expected to update its guidance for the 2027/28 application cycle. Applicants should check the latest rules before submitting an application.
What does the scholarship cover?
Successful recipients can receive:
- Up to three years of rent-free accommodation in designated student halls.
- Accommodation available throughout the year, including Christmas and summer holidays.
- Utility bills and Wi-Fi included in the standard accommodation arrangement.
- A furnished, single-occupancy en-suite room in purpose-built student accommodation.
- No rent guarantor or advance accommodation deposit under the Foundation's standard scheme.
- Support from the Foundation and university teams to help students settle in and remain connected with their university community.
At Nottingham, wider support for eligible care-experienced and estranged students may also include pre-arrival guidance, wellbeing support, help planning future accommodation and community activities.
The scholarship pays for accommodation rather than providing a general cash allowance for tuition, food or other personal expenses.
Why does this support matter?
Students who have experienced care or family estrangement may not have a family home to return to during university breaks. They may also lack access to family financial support, a rent guarantor or help with the costs of moving into accommodation.
A secure, year-round place to live can reduce these pressures and give students greater stability throughout their degree.
The Unite Foundation reports that its accommodation scholarships have supported hundreds of students since the programme began in 2012. The charity cites research indicating that stable accommodation can improve student progression, completion and academic outcomes.
How to apply
- Visit the official Unite Foundation scholarship page: https://www.unitefoundation.org.uk/scholarship/
- Review the eligibility requirements and confirm that your care-experienced, care-leaver or estranged status can be evidenced.
- Check that the University of Nottingham is an eligible institution for your intended course and campus.
- Prepare the supporting documents required to confirm your status, age, university offer or enrolment, and UK home-fee eligibility.
- Submit your application when the 2027/28 application window opens, following the updated instructions on the Foundation's website.
- Follow any subsequent instructions from the Foundation and the university, including requests to verify your student status.
Applications open: 1 January 2027.
Application deadline: Not yet confirmed in the published 2027/28 announcement. The previous application cycle is closed.
For questions, contact the Unite Foundation at info@unitefoundation.org.uk.
Documents required
The exact document list for 2027/28 should be confirmed when the new guidance is released. Under the published scheme rules, applicants may need evidence of:
- Age and identity.
- Statutory care-leaver or care-experienced status, or family estrangement.
- UK home tuition-fee status.
- Student Finance eligibility or the relevant funding status.
- A firm offer from, or current enrolment at, a participating university.
Applicants should follow the refreshed 2027/28 guidance rather than rely solely on the previous year's forms.
Also Read: https://theopportunitypilot.com/opportunities/university-of-edinburgh-mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-2027-2028-fully-funded-postgraduate-scholarships-for-africans
Important dates
- 1 January 2027: Scheduled opening of the 2027/28 student application cycle.
- 2027/28 academic year: New accommodation scholarship places are planned across the Foundation's university network.
- Application deadline: To be announced.
Official links
Unite Foundation Scholarship: https://www.unitefoundation.org.uk/scholarship/
University funding programme: https://www.unitefoundation.org.uk/grant-funding-for-universities/
University of Nottingham: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/
Contact: info@unitefoundation.org.uk
Official source
Use the official provider's website for current eligibility rules, application instructions, fees and deadlines.
Visit official websiteSource verification date: October 25, 2026. This is not a guarantee that the opportunity remains open.
