We offer specific support to estranged students. Estranged students are young people studying without the support of a family network, usually due to a long-term breakdown in the relationship with their parents or guardians.
In this context, an estranged student is someone who has no communicative relationship with their parents (either biological or adoptive) and this is unlikely to change. Financial support may be available if you are:
* if you are a PGCE student and receiving UG Student Finance we can offer support
** if you have not yet been assessed as estranged by Student Finance, we will look at your case on an individual basis and you may still be eligible for support
*** you will be eligible for this support if both of your parents have passed away
This page and the linked documents outlines the support we offer to current students.
Throughout your studies you will always have a named contact from the Student Support Team. If you are a current student this will either be Jabeen Akram or Sophie Blake who you can reach on independentstudents@manchester.ac.uk If you are a prospective student, your named contact before you arrive is Emma Lewis-Kalubowila who you can reach on wecare@manchester.ac.uk
Jabeen and Sophie both do the same role, so you can speak to either one of them if your assigned contact is unavailable. They can:
Emma Jabeen Sophie
If you are an estranged student, you should be classed as an independent student when applying for Student Finance which could mean that you will receive the maximum tuition fee and maintenance loan. You will need to complete a Confirmation of Estrangement Form and provide evidence to Student Finance of your estrangement. If you are having any difficulties with this, you can email your named contact on independentstudents@manchester.ac.uk You will might also be eligible for:
Unite Foundation support and advocate for estranged students through their scholarships, community and #HomeAtUniversity campaign.