How can we help?
Search our Applying to study – carers frequently asked questions.
Can I still state that I am a carer if I won’t provide as much/any care during term time?
Yes – even if you are not providing physical support, you may find yourself providing emotional support while at university.
Additionally, it may be useful for your university to know how caring might impact other elements of your time at university (e.g. work placements, practical issues around getting to and from campus, or needing to go home in an emergency).
Do I have to give information about a caring responsibility?
No – it is entirely optional to give this information – you do not have to let the university or college know if you don’t want to. However, we recommend that you do, so they can understand the context of your achievements and make sure you know about any support that can help you during your studies. Even if you don’t feel you need any extra support now, you may feel differently later on.
If you prefer, you can contact the university or college directly to discuss your circumstances and talk about any support you might need. If you have any questions, they will be happy to give you more detailed information and advice at any time before or after you apply. You could also ask someone at your school or college, or local carers organisation, to help you with this.
Where can I get more information about applying to university as a carer?
- Find out more about applying to university if you're a carer.
- The Carers Trust offers support to carers, including resources for those applying to higher education, and you can find your local carer services.
- If someone in your family has a life-threatening illness, Hope Support Services has advice and support for young people aged 25 and under.
I am (or have been) in care – is this the same thing?
No. This question is for someone who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend.
If you are (or have been) in care, there's a separate question on the application where you can give this information.
I am a parent – does this count as a caring responsibility?
No. There's a separate question on the application to let the university or college know you have parenting responsibilities for a child aged 17 or under.
How is information about caring responsibilities used?
This information is shared (securely) with those who are responsible for supporting you at university or college (e.g. the student services team), and it will be treated sensitively.
Knowing about your circumstances may help admissions staff to take your achievements into account when making an offer – it will give them a better understanding of your potential. Sharing this information is never used to decide whether or not to make an offer. The university may get in touch with you to share more details about the support they offer, or to tell you about any events and resources you may find useful to prepare for higher education.
Your information may also be used (anonymously) for monitoring purposes. This helps the university improve the support they provide to other carers in the future.
The information you share with UCAS is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about who your information is shared with, read UCAS’ privacy policy
Should I mention my caring role in the personal statement?
This question means carers don’t have to use their personal statement to explain their caring responsibilities. However, you may want to use this space to talk about the relevant skills and qualities you've developed as a result of your experience. With the help of the Carers Trust and students who are carers, UCAS has created a personal statement guide for carers to help you identify these skills and strengths, and explain how they're applicable to your studies.
You don't have to mention your caring responsibilities in your personal statement if you don't want to – even if you do flag your circumstances in the application question.
If you do choose to mention your caring responsibilities in your personal statement, please also use this question to flag your circumstances – student support staff won't see your personal statement, so you may not get the right support if you don't answer this question too.
Why would a university or college want to know if I am a carer?
Balancing your studies with the responsibility of caring for another person can be challenging, so many universities and colleges provide specific support for student carers.
Support could include:
- financial help – e.g. a bursary
- academic assistance – e.g. help to manage your workload
- or even support to manage your health and wellbeing.
When you give this information, you're letting the university know about your circumstances in case you need additional support during your studies. They may get in touch with more information about the support available – and to discuss whether you want to access it. Remember any support provided is designed to ensure you have a fair chance to succeed in your studies.
Knowing about your circumstances may also help admissions staff to take your achievements into account and gain a better understanding of these achievements and potential in context. It won't reflect negatively on your application or academic ability, but instead will enable them to form a more complete picture of you as an individual and identify applicants who have the potential to succeed – even if their personal circumstances have affected their attainment (e.g. exam grades).
We recommend you contact your university as early as possible to discuss your circumstances and any support needs you may have – however small or major they may seem. This will help you to make a smooth transition to university and succeed in your ongoing studies.
I am supporting a close family member with a life-threatening illness – should I tell the university?
Yes. Even if you're not directly providing physical care to someone with a life-threatening illness (e.g. cancer), you're probably supporting them emotionally. As this can impact your own wellbeing and potentially your studies, it's a good idea to let your university or college know, and to ensure support is available if you need it, should your circumstances change.
For more support, Hope Support Services helps young people aged 25 and under when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
I’m not sure my circumstances count as a caring responsibility
Some carers think it isn't worth telling the university or college about their caring responsibilities. However, carers deal with managing their responsibilities alongside their education differently, and you may still need some occasional support – especially if your circumstances change. Some carers also provide large amounts of emotional support, even if they are not giving as much physical or practical care.
Sometimes situations change, so it’s important to make sure that support is ready when you need it - even if you never do.
Remember that support is provided to ensure you have a fair chance to do well in your studies.
What do you mean by a ‘caring responsibility’?
A carer is anyone who gives unpaid care to a family member, partner or friend who could not cope without their support. This may be due to a long-term illness, disability, a mental health condition, or an addiction.
A caring responsibility may be short-term (e.g. to support recovery following an accident) or long-term, and might include physical care (e.g. helping someone out of bed), personal care (e.g. helping someone wash), emotional support (e.g. reassuring them, checking on their wellbeing), collecting prescriptions and helping to give medicine, and providing emergency care. For young adult carers, this might also involve practical household tasks (e.g. cooking and cleaning), managing the family budget, and looking after siblings.
If you're aged 25 or under, you may be referred to as a ‘young adult carer’.