Scotland And United Kingdom Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2025 Now Open For Applications -

About the Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme

The Unite Foundation is a registered charity that offers a unique and targeted scholarship for students who face significant challenges in accessing higher education. Its scholarship provides year-round accommodation in student residences owned and managed by Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student housing.

Unlike many other scholarships that focus on tuition support, the Unite Foundation centers its efforts on housing, recognizing that safe and stable accommodation is one of the most critical needs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Successful applicants receive free en-suite accommodation in a shared flat, available for up to three years of study, including the summer and holiday periods. This enables recipients to remain in their student homes all year round, supporting stability and continuity throughout their university journey.

Beyond housing, the Unite Foundation also offers a vibrant student community, opportunities for personal and career development, and a support system that encourages students to thrive academically and socially.

If you are a young person who has been in care, has care experience in Scotland, or is estranged from both parents, and you are planning to study at a university in the United Kingdom, the Unite Foundation is currently offering a life-changing scholarship opportunity for the 2025-2026 academic session. The Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme provides rent-free and bill-free student accommodation for up to three years, giving students a safe, stable, and supportive environment to succeed at university.

The scholarship aims to remove one of the biggest financial barriers to higher education by offering free accommodation throughout the academic year and beyond. Recipients do not have to worry about paying rent, covering utility bills, or finding a guarantor or deposit. This makes it significantly easier for students with experience in care or estrangement to pursue a university degree and build a future on their own terms.

Eligible Fields

The Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate course at a partner university. The scholarship is awarded based on the applicant’s background and the university they are attending, rather than the subject they are studying. This means that students in all academic disciplines — from engineering, sciences, and medicine to the arts, social sciences, and humanities — can benefit from the program, provided their university is part of the Unite Foundation network.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be aged 25 or under on 1 September 2025
Be starting or continuing their first undergraduate degree

Be enrolled at a partner university of the Unite Foundation
Hold UK home fee status
Be verified by Student Finance or SAAS as one of the following:
1. A care leaver in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
2. A care experienced individual in Scotland
3. An estranged student

Applicants must be studying full-time and pursuing their first undergraduate qualification. Those who have previously received a degree or who are studying part-time are not eligible for the scholarship.

Definitions of Eligible Backgrounds

Care Leaver: A young person who was under the care of their local authority for at least 13 weeks spanning their 16th birthday and who is currently aged 16 to 25.
Care Experienced (Scotland): A student who has been looked after by a local authority at any point in their life, regardless of the duration or nature of care.

Estranged Student: A student who no longer has a relationship with either parent and has been recognized by Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS as estranged.

Applicants must be able to provide documentation to support their status, including letters from local authorities, Student Finance assessments, or supporting documents from universities.

Eligible Countries

Only students with UK home fee status are eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship is not available to international students or those classified as EU or overseas fee-paying students.

UK home fee status typically includes:

British citizens
Individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

Individuals with indefinite leave to remain or refugee status in the United Kingdom

Students with any of the above legal statuses who meet the other criteria are encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

The Unite Foundation scholarship is awarded based on the following selection considerations:

Clear demonstration of eligibility through the required documentation
Accurate and timely submission of the application form and all supporting documents
Preference may be given to students attending certain partner universities due to university-specific quotas or allocations

Priority may also be considered based on the level of need or the timing of the application

The scholarship is not competitive in terms of academic merit or extracurricular achievements. It is based on the applicant’s personal circumstances and their potential benefit from the support offered.

Benefits of the Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Students selected for the Unite Foundation scholarship will receive the following benefits:

Free, en-suite student accommodation provided by Unite Students
Full coverage of utility bills, including water, electricity, heating, and internet
365-day residence, including during academic breaks, summer holidays, and graduation period

No requirement for rental deposits or guarantors
Opportunity to relocate housing for internships, placements, or employment, based on availability
Invitations to student events, workshops, and peer networking sessions

Access to academic and personal support resources coordinated by the Unite Foundation

These benefits not only reduce the financial burden of higher education but also provide the emotional and psychological stability students need to excel.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must follow the steps outlined below:

Visit the official Unite Foundation scholarship webpage
Download and carefully read the Application Guidance PDF
Fill out the official application form

Prepare and attach all required supporting documents, including:
- Confirmation letters from Student Finance, SAAS, or local authorities
- Evidence of admission to or enrolment in a partner university

Submit the completed application and supporting materials before the deadline of 13 June 2025

Note: The application process for the 2025-2026 Unite Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is already open. Interested candidates should take note of the following key dates:

Final Application Deadline: 13 June 2025 at 23:59 (UK time)

Deadline for University Confirmation: 20 June 2025
Scholarship Offers Announced: 3 July 2025
Reserve List Closure Date: 29 August 2025

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute errors or issues with document submission.

All submitted information will be reviewed carefully, and scholarship offers will be communicated on 3 July 2025.

Applicants who are placed on a reserve list may still be offered scholarships if space becomes available. The reserve list will remain open until 29 August 2025.

For a full list of partner universities, detailed eligibility information, and access to the application form and guidance, visit:

The Unite Foundation is committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive at university. If you qualify, do not hesitate to apply. This could be the stability and support you need to begin a successful academic journey.