Young adult carers
You are classed as a young adult carer if you are a carer under 25 who looks after a relative or friend, of any age, due to:
- disability
- chronic or terminal illness
- mental health problems
- alcohol or drug addiction or dependency
If you are over 25 and have caring responsibilities or if you are unsure if you qualify as a Young Adult Carer, please get in touch with studentsuccess@bath.ac.uk
If you are a student with children please see our Student Parents web page.
Available funding support
The University of Bath offers eligible new UK undergraduate students a non-repayable bursary of £500 per academic year.
To apply for the Young Adult Carer's Bursary:
- Check you are eligible by reading the Young Adult Carer bursary terms and conditions. Students need to have a household income below £60,000, as assessed by the Student Loans Company.
- Complete the Young Adult Carer's Bursary application form. Please select the bursary from the options listed in point three of the form.
Please contact us at studentsuccess@bath.ac.uk if you have any queries about the bursary and other support available from the University. If you are a current student you can book an appointment with us online via MySkills.
We recognise that there may be particular financial issues associated with being a young adult carer and would also encourage an application to the University Financial Support Fund if you find that you are struggling with your finances.
Full-time students are generally not eligible for Carer’s Allowance from the government.
Free graduation gown hire
The University of Bath offers free gown hire to students with caring responsibilities. Eligible students will be contacted directly with more details. Further information can be found on the hiring or buying a graduation gown page.
Key University contact for young adult carers
studentsuccess@bath.ac.uk is your key contact within Student Support to help you with any queries you may have and, if necessary, direct you to the appropriate services. We will be able to provide advice and guidance before you arrive and during your studies, and ensure you are accessing all possible support at the University.
More resources for young adult carers
We recommend having a Carer’s assessment, provided free by your local council, to see what might make your life easier. They can also take into consideration how your caring responsibilities change by studying at university and what alternative arrangements the cared for person requires. Contact adult social services at your local council for further information.
University and Young Adult Carers booklet
Bath and North East Somerset Carers' Centre
KS2 Bath - a peer support group for carers of people with mental health difficulties