We recognise that that it may be particularly challenging starting and studying at university if you are care-experienced, are estranged from your family, or are an early independent student. You may experience specific difficulties which other students do not.
From academic year 2025/26 we are offering a generous, consolidated package of support to enable estranged, care-experienced and early independent students to navigate these challenges. We want everyone to be able to make the most of their time at Durham, regardless of background.
From 2025/26 EaCE+ students will have access to the following support:
In addition to being considered for a Durham Grant of up to £2,721 per annum, as an EaCE+ student you will qualify for an Independent Student Bursary throughout your time at Durham. This bursary will total £3,000, and will be paid as follows:
You will automatically receive the Independent Student Bursary when we confirm your EaCE+ status, there is no separate application process.
You will receive a 20% reduction on your College accommodation charge, up to £2,555 per year.
You will have guaranteed access to College accommodation for the duration of your time at Durham. This will include the option of accommodation for 52 weeks per year if you need it.
If you choose to live in private rented accommodation during your time in Durham, we offer a free rent guarantor scheme for EaCE+ students. More information on this is available here: Rent Guarantor Scheme - Durham University
You will have access to the University’s dedicated support network for EaCE+ students. This provides support via multiple teams working collaboratively for each individual student. It includes things such as dedicated advice and support from specialist trained advisors in the Careers and Enterprise Centre and the Student Advice Team. For more information you can contact Sophie Wade.
EaCE+ students are given priority consideration for our access schemes: Supported Progression, Sutton Trust, and STEP.
EaCE+ students are also counted in our contextual offer criteria. A contextual offer considers information from your application like your individual background and experiences, and the impact these might have on your qualifications when we make a decision on your application.
If you have any questions on the application and admissions process, you can reach out to our dedicated point of contact, Boawe Rankin-Carr. We can provide you with individual advice and guidance on the UCAS process, personal statement writing and admissions support.
You can access an event bursary covering both travel and accommodation, to enable you to attend one of our pre-application open days or post-offer visit days.
We also run specific campus visits for EaCE+ students. These visits allow you to find out first-hand what Durham can offer, accompanied by a member of the team, who can answer any specific questions you may have. Please contact Boawe Rankin-Carr for more information on campus visits.
Our definition of estranged is anyone aged under 25 who isn't communicating with their biological or adoptive parents due to a breakdown in the relationship and this is likely to remain permanent. This includes estrangement before entering higher education and estrangement during studies. You must complete an estrangement form to receive support from Student Finance England.
Our definition of care-experienced is someone who, at any stage of their life, and for any length of time, has been in care e.g. looked after by the local authority. This definition has been agreed in partnership with NERAP as part of the Care Leaver Covenant.
Make sure that you tick the box on your UCAS form that asks if you are care-experienced. That way, we will know before you arrive and can arrange for you to receive relevant information before you begin your degree.
Durham University has signed both the Care Leaver Covenant (in partnership with NERAP), and the Stand Alone Pledge to support care-experienced and estranged students respectively. In engaging with these, we have committed to provide a level of support for students from EaCE+ backgrounds.
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