The purpose of the bursary
Our Higher Education Bursary supports young people aged 18–25 from police families, helping them to continue their first undergraduate degree without being held back by the financial impact of harm caused through policing.
The grant relieved the financial pressure and meant I could focus on my studies rather than worrying about money.Higher education bursary recipient
Who this bursary is for
You may be able to apply if you are:
A young person aged 18–25 whose parent or carer is a serving, volunteering or a veteran member of the police community and has registered harm caused by a policing role, or
A young person aged 18–25 whose parent or carer died as a result of their policing role
We want to help as many people as possible, and while we do have some eligibility criteria in place, our team is always happy to talk through your situation. Click on the registration information button to find out who we can support and what you'll need to meet to apply.
Applicants must:
- Be studying their first undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree
- Be enrolled at a recognised UK higher education provider
- Not be receiving any other bursaries or grants
- Live in a household where income is at, or within 10% of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Minimum Income Standard for your Household. Access the Minimum Income Standard information here
- Household savings and capital must not exceed £10, 000.
The Higher Education bursary can help with:
- Up to £3,000 per academic year, paid directly to the beneficiary
- Funding for one year at a time
- The option to apply for up to three years, depending on the length of the degree
The bursary can be used for a range of course related and essential living costs, including:
- University related expenses
- Travel to and from university
- Books, equipment and learning materials
- Other costs that support participation in higher education
- This list is indicative and not exhaustive. What matters most is how the bursary supports learning, wellbeing and continued participation in education.
Here’s a list of the type of information you will be expected to provide in your application:
Our team can support you through the process and explain what information is needed.
- Confirmation of your university place
- A clear explanation of how the bursary will be used
- Confirmation that you are not receiving other bursaries or grants
- Income and expenditure details for your household
To assess financial need fairly, we will ask for:
- Three months of recent bank statements (for the student and parents or carers)
- Details of any savings or financial assets
- Any additional information requested by your grants advisor
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Registration allows us to verify harm linked to policing and is required before applying for financial support.
Yes. You can apply each year you are studying your first undergraduate degree, for up to three years.
You won’t be eligible for this bursary if you’re already receiving other financial support for education.
Yes. Our team is available to guide you through the application and explain what information is needed.
The bursary is a discretionary grant and not intended to be treated as income, but individual circumstances vary. We recommend checking with a benefits advisor or HMRC.
The difference this support can make
Young people from police families can be affected by the long term impact of harm experienced by their parents; emotionally, practically and financially.
Research shows that children of parents living with PTSD experience higher levels of stress and emotional difficulty, alongside disruption to everyday family life. Financial strain at university can add further pressure.
This bursary helps by:
- Reducing stress and anxiety about education costs
- Supporting confidence, wellbeing and focus on study
- Enabling participation in university life and learning opportunities
- Reducing financial pressure on families already affected by harm
Since 2016, Police Care UK has awarded 283 education bursaries, totalling £492,400, using similar criteria, helping young people continue their education and plan for the future with confidence.
