Care leaver and estranged student applications

Applying as a care leaver

The application process for care leaver students is exactly the same as for all other applicants – you must apply online through UCAS and by the relevant UCAS application deadline.

When applying it’s important that you indicate in your UCAS application that you’ve spent time in local authority care. This is to ensure that you receive all of the support available to you. This information is held in strict confidence by the University.

When completing your UCAS application, after you’ve entered your personal details, you’ll be asked whether you’ve spent time in care in the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ section. If you have spent time in care, please select 'Yes'. You will then be asked another question about how long you were in care.

For more information, see the  UCAS Care Leavers Guide or the step-by-step application guide.

Indicating that you’re care experienced doesn’t mean that you’ll be singled out or separated from other applicants – the information simply enables us to ensure we have appropriate support in place.

Applying as an estranged student

You can indicate on your UCAS form that you are estranged from your parents. In the ‘More about you’ section of the UCAS application, there is a question that asks:

‘Would you consider yourself estranged from both your parents (i.e. you are not in contact with and supported by either of your parents?’ 

If you are estranged from your parents, please select ‘Yes.’ 

Sharing that you are estranged does not mean that you will be singled out or separated from other applicants. The information simply enables us to ensure we have appropriate support in place.

Extenuating Circumstances Form

If you’ve had significant educational disruption or disadvantage that you feel may impact on your application to Cambridge, it may be appropriate for your school/college to provide us with relevant information by completing the Extenuating Circumstances Form.

If your school/college is unaware of the circumstances, your doctor or social worker can complete and submit the form instead.

Mature student care leavers

If you'll be aged 21 or over by 1 October in the year in which you hope to come to Cambridge, then you'll be applying as a mature student. For further information on applying as a mature student, please see our Mature and Affiliated students pages.