How can we help?
Search our Applying to study – estranged frequently asked questions.
I‘m still in contact with my parent(s) but our relationship is starting to break down – does this count?
We know that some students will be experiencing difficulties when they make their application, and their circumstances may have changed by the time they start their course, or even during their studies. You can use this question to flag your circumstances but the support you can access will depend on the individual university or college.
We strongly recommend contacting them to discuss your individual circumstances, and to keep in touch if anything changes.
It may also be helpful to keep your school or college informed where relevant, as they will be able to support you getting the help you need to go to university, and also to support through exams if needed.
I am estranged from one of my parents but not both – does this count?
The help available at university or college is usually only available to students who have no communicative relationship with either of their living biological or adoptive parents. If you are still in contact or supported by one parent, you would not normally be considered to be an estranged student.
Read more advice and information about applying to a university as a student who is experiencing estrangement.
Do I have to give information about being estranged?
No – it is entirely optional to give this information, and 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.
If you are still unsure, read this blog article which explains why sharing your circumstances is a positive step.
Where can I get more information about applying to university or college if I am estranged from my family?
- Find out more about applying to university or college if you're experiencing estrangement from your parents.
- This blog article explains why sharing your circumstances in your UCAS application is a positive step.
I have been in care in the past – am I care experienced or estranged?
If you've been in local authority care at any time in your past, you may be considered ‘care experienced’ – there's a separate question on the application to share information about this.
You're free to choose 'Yes' for both questions – the university or college may get in touch to find out more so they know how to help you the best they can.
Find out more about applying to university or college if you have been in care.
Should I mention my circumstances in the personal statement?
You don't have to mention your circumstances in your personal statement if you don't want to – even if you flag your circumstances in the application question.
However, some people like to use this space to talk about how their experiences have influenced their subject choices or chosen career. In some cases, students will find they have developed strengths and skills they can apply to their studies. With the help of students who are estranged from their parents, UCAS has created a personal statement guide for estranged students to help you identify these skills and strengths and explain how they're applicable to your studies.
If you do choose to mention your circumstances in your personal statement, please also use the application question – 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.
I am an international student, so I will be studying away from my family – is this the same thing?
No – an estranged student’s relationship with their parents has broken down and they have removed themselves from their family home or been disowned.
If your family supports your studies and your relationship has not broken down, you wouldn't be considered an estranged student.
How is information about estrangement used?
This information is shared (securely) with those who are responsible for supporting you at university or college (e.g. the student services team).
Knowing about your circumstances may also help admissions staff to take your achievements into account and gain a better understanding of your achievements and potential in context. This is called contextual admissions.
Your university or college may get in touch with you to share more details about the support they offer, or events and resources you may find useful to prepare for higher education.
Your information may be used (anonymously) for monitoring purposes. This helps the university to inform and improve the support they provide to other estranged students 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.
Why would a university or college want to know if I am estranged from my family?
Studying without the support of your family may present challenges, so many universities and colleges provide extra support for estranged students. This can include year-round accommodation, financial help, 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 that any support provided is designed to ensure that you have a fair chance to succeed in your studies. This blog article explains why sharing your circumstances in your UCAS application is a positive step.
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 student services at the university or college before you apply to check what support they can offer you.
What do you mean by ‘estranged’?
Estranged students are young people studying without the support and approval of either of their parents due to a breakdown in their relationship. This might be their biological, step or adoptive parents, or possibly wider family members who have been involved in their care.
People experiencing estrangement remove themselves from their family home or are disowned by their parents for many different reasons. As a result, they may struggle with finding accommodation and may be at risk of becoming homeless. They may also be worried about the cost of applying to higher education if their parents are unwilling to support their student finance applications.
If you think this sounds at all like your circumstances, use this question to tell the university or college – many offer a wide range of support to young people in this situation.
Read more about applying to university as an estranged student.