Fully funded

Open Futures Carers' Scholarship

The Open University, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

The Carers' Scholarship, part of the Open Futures Fund, funds undergraduate study for unpaid carers through a full fee waiver. 162 undergraduate full fee-waiver scholarships have been awarded to date. About 30% of places are ring-fenced for young carers aged 16 to 25.

Award Information

  • Starting OU study for the first time in 2026/27.
  • Ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible for a UK fee.
  • Caring for an average of 15 hours a week, or cared that much in the last two years and no longer caring due to bereavement.
  • Gross household income of no more than £25,000 a year, or in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
  • Studying at least 30 credits a year.
  • Studying a module in an undergraduate qualification between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027.

2026/27: applications opened 25 March 2026 and closed at midday on 17 June 2026. Study starts autumn 2026.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Proof of current or recently ended caring responsibilities from a GP, social worker, local authority, carer organisation or similar source.

How selection works

  • Means-tested process.
  • About 30% of places ring-fenced for young carers aged 16 to 25.

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