41 Applicant Index Report 2026 Care experienced and estranged applicants The Unite Foundation, founded by Unite Students in 2012, is an independent national charity supporting care experienced and estranged students with a safe and stable home at university. The Unite Foundation scholarship is a unique accommodation scholarship that takes care of students’ accommodation and bills, covering up to 3 full years of study. Independent research shows that scholarship students are as likely as their non-care experienced peers to complete their studies and attain a good degree. From 2027/8, any UK university can apply to receive a grant to offer Unite Foundation scholarships. The team works closely with Unite Students, as an accommodation partner and principal corporate donor. In partnership with Back to contents Appendices Thematic analysis Introduction Care experienced and estranged applicants Belonging, equity and inclusion Care experienced applicants are those who have ever been, or are currently, in the care of a local authority. This includes time spent in foster care, residential children’s homes, kinship care, or being looked after at home under a supervision order. Estranged applicants are young people who have no contact with their parents, where that lack of relationship is long‑term and unlikely to change. * * In the survey, applicants are asked to self ‑ identify as having care ‑ experience or being estranged. It is worth noting that this includes 17 ‑ year ‑ olds who may self ‑ identify as estranged but cannot legally cut ties until 18.
Unite Students Applicant Index 2026 Page 40 Page 42
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