Estranged students
If you’re under 25, studying at Kingston and have no relationship with your parents, you might be eligible for our estranged student support services. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who are estranged students?
You’re an estranged student if:
- You’re aged 25 or under when you enrol onto a Kingston University undergraduate degree programme
- Your relationship with your parents has permanently broken down (for at least 12 months)
This includes students who:
- Are living in foyer or hostel accommodation
- Have been disowned
- Have lost both parents
What support is available?
There is a variety of different support available for estranged students at Kingston University.
If you’re an estranged student at Kingston University and have been assessed as a 'home' student for fee purposes, you are eligible for:
- A non-repayable KU Cares bursary of £1,500 per progressive year of study
- Priority for the Kingston Bursary, if you meet all the criteria
As an estranged student, you’ll get:
- A priority place in halls
- Access to 365-day accommodation after your first year (where available, and as long as you meet the conditions in the halls licence agreement)
- Guidance for living in private accommodation
- Signposting to relevant services for comprehensive housing advice
When you graduate, you’ll get:
- Free gown hire
- A photography package
- Two guest tickets
- A £1,000 graduation bursary
- An 'outduction' meeting with the KU Cares team
Our KU Cares team will support your student journey from application to graduation.
They will advocate for you at University and within your external support network.
KU Cares also runs at least three café drop-ins every year. These small, relaxed sessions are the perfect chance to get face-to-face support and meet students with similar experiences.
The Stand Alone Pledge
As part of our commitment to supporting estranged students, Kingston University has taken the Stand Alone Pledge.
Am I eligible for support?
You’re eligible for support if you are:
- Aged 25 or under at the time of enrolment
- Assessed as a ‘home' student by the university
- Enrolled on an undergraduate course or a PGCE
- Eligible for the full maintenance loan from Student Finance
How to apply for support
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to provide us with evidence that you have been estranged from both parents for a significant amount of time. This can be:
- A letter from a professional person (such as a teacher, lawyer, doctor, therapist or support worker) who can confirm you have no contact with your family
- Evidence that you have been assessed as an estranged student for Student Finance purposes
Send your evidence along with any questions you have to kucares@kingston.ac.uk. Someone from the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Useful information
- Become a Student Ambassador
- View and book hundreds of University events via KUextra
- Join our Beyond Barriers Mentoring Scheme
The following organisations offer a range of higher education support for estranged students:
Get in touch
Want more information on our support for estranged students? Email our KU Cares team with any questions or queries.
