The Unite Foundation undergraduate scholarship administered by the registered charity known as Unite Foundation, is a scholarship scheme that provides free accommodation for a maximum of three years for care leaver/experienced and estranged young people at university. The scholarship is available to students attending specific partner universities across the UK. The foundation believes that education is for everyone and wants to give students an equal opportunity to reach their potential without the burden of extra costs.
There are 70 places available on the Unite Foundation scholarship this year with over 10+ partnered institutions. You can find the complete list of universities in the foundation’s official website (linked below).
About Unite Foundation
The Unite Foundation is a charitable incorporated organization, registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales and the Scottish Charity Regulator. Established in 2012, The Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme provides free accommodation for a maximum of three years of undergraduate study. So far 812 young people have been awarded a Unite Foundation scholarship with 399 having graduated.
Scholarship benefits
Recipients of this scholarship will be awarded free accommodation (up to a maximum of three years) in a designated Unite students property packed with benefits, among which are:
- The standard of free accommodation is a single occupancy, en-suite, bedroom in a purpose built student flat with a communal fitted kitchen; the flat will be shared with a mixture of other students most likely at the same university.
- Tenancy contracts include all utilities, have wi-fi throughout and are served by maintenance and on-site support teams as well as an online emergency call centre. Many buildings have other facilities like a laundry, fortnightly cleaning and bike storage. Flats are furnished and the buildings have areas suitable for both study and leisure.
- For each year that you take up the free accommodation offer, your room will be available for the full calendar year; 365 or 366 days on leap years. Occasionally you might need to move flats temporarily to allow for maintenance and redecorating etc.
- You will not require a rent guarantor, a deposit or any rent payments.
- Once you become a scholarship student you can choose annually if you would like to take up the free accommodation offer. Your award entitles you to up to three years free accommodation. These do not need to be consecutive but you do need to remain eligible each year.
- Years of study that are excluded from support are:
- Foundation year
- Years involving study credits toward a Masters whether that be post graduate or integrated with a Bachelors
- re-sit years
- repeat years arising as a result of changing courses
- years in which you are aged 26 or older on 1 September
- If you get a job in a different city during the holidays or as a placement you can apply for free housing in a Unite students property – subject to availability – in your employer location.
Eligibility
Interested applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 25 or under on 1st September 2025.
- Undertaking first attempt at, and only, course of undergraduate study.
- Not undertaking foundation or masters level study in year beginning September 2025.
- Studying at, or holding a firm choice offer from, a Unite Foundation partner university.
- UK home fee status student (i.e. not an international student).
- In receipt of, or applying for, tuition fee and maintenance loans via Student Finance reflecting care leaver/care experienced/estranged student status for the full duration of your course (or NHS funding).
- Students undertaking a Foundation year in 2025/26 are NOT eligible to apply for this current application cycle but should consider application in 2026/27.
How to apply
Students interested will apply online via the link provided in their website (linked below). You will be asked to upload evidence of eligibility so get that organised before you start. A “double submission” system is used which means you must ensure you have submitted and then confirmed submission on the next page.
You will then receive an email confirmation (check junk and clutter folders). If unsure, email info@unitefoundation.org.uk to confirm we have received your application. Additionally, your current university will check elements of your eligibility and also connect you to university staff dedicated to supporting you in achieving your potential in higher education.
Application deadline
Application closes on 13 June, 2025.
For more details visit the Unite Foundation undergraduate scholarship.
