Estranged students
Estranged students are young people (usually aged 18-24) studying without the support and approval of a family network. Young people in this position often have no contact at all with their family and are usually financially self-reliant and required to be assessed as independent by their government funding body rather than their parental household income.
At the University of Stirling, we realise that studying and supporting yourself through your studies can be difficult without the support of parents, family or other guardian figures in your life and we offer support throughout the student journey for all estranged students.
How do you define an estranged student?
The term ‘estranged student’ is used to refer to students who are studying without the support of a family network. If the following applies to you, we have a support package in place to assist you:
- studying a full-time, undergraduate or taught postgraduate course;
- aged under 25 on the first day of the academic year;
- UK domiciled student;
- irreconcilably estranged from both parents/carers.
By 'irreconcilably estranged' we mean that either:
- you have no contact at all with your parents/carers and this is unlikely to change;
- you can demonstrate on other grounds that you are estranged from your parents/carers, for example in exceptional circumstances.
UCAS information on funding for estranged students
A key factor when making the decision to move into higher education is finance – for estranged students, this can be a particular challenge.
Estranged students can apply as ‘independent students’ so their finance is calculated solely on their own income rather than their parents’ income.
What support is offered by the university?
During your time at Stirling, the following support is offered.
- Single named point of contact and designated email address for the duration of your course.
- Priority Discretionary and Assistance Fund assessment.
- 365-day University accommodation can be provided.
- Rental Guarantor (private rental sector).
- Guidance to enhance your study skills.
- Disability/Learning Disabilities support.
- Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling support.
- Faith support.
- Careers and employability support.
- Long-term loan laptop.
£500 estranged student bursary
You must apply to the Discretionary and Assistance Funds each academic year and meet the relevant fund eligibility criteria to access the bursary.
Due to audit purposes, you will also need to provide evidence of your estrangement, before the bursary can be awarded. Further information about the evidence required is listed on the Single Named Point of Contact registration form which we ask you to complete to register with the single named point of contact service.
External resources
Brightside
Brightside has some useful information for students whose parents are unwilling to provide their income details, as well as estranged students finding it difficult to evidence independence.
The EaCES Handbook
The EaCES Handbook is a website of summarised advice and information created by current Estranged and Care Experienced Students (EaCES) in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The website contains guidance on a variety of topics affecting estranged and care experienced students, including: accommodation, bereavement, LGBTQ+, healthy relationships and more.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Their website has a free and easy-to-use benefits calculator and grants search.
Together Estranged
Together Estranged offers advice and support to those estranged from their family, while working to destigmatize estrangement in the public sphere.
Estranged Students’ Network (ESN)
Estranged Students’ Network (ESN) is a UK-wide, student-led network, aiming to support and assist estranged students navigating academia.
Make an appointment
If you would like to speak about your situation or the support available, you can make an appointment to meet with one of our Advisers either face to face or through Teams by calling us using the number below, or using Live Chat on your student portal.