The Open University – Care Experienced Scholarship
Location: National
Offer Type: Higher Education Scholarship
In Partnership with the John Lewis Partnership
This scholarship has been designed in collaboration with The John Lewis Partnership as part of the Building Happier Futures initiative. It offers young people with experience of being in care the opportunity to study for an undergraduate qualification completely free of charge.
About The Open University
The Open University (OU) is the UK’s largest university for flexible, part-time higher education. For over 50 years, the OU has provided high-quality distance learning, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their educational and professional goals. Its commitment to open access, innovation, and support makes it a trusted choice for learners across the UK and beyond.
The Offer
The Open University is proud to offer the Care-Experienced Scholarship, providing up to 10 fully funded places each year for care-experienced young people beginning their first undergraduate qualification.
This scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition fees, giving students the freedom to study without financial stress. Scholars will benefit from:
Full tuition fee funding for an undergraduate qualification
Access to comprehensive academic and pastoral support
The flexibility to study part-time and online from anywhere in the UK
Membership in a welcoming and inclusive learning community
Who Is Eligible?
- To apply, applicants must:
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK
- Be aged under 25 on 1 September 2025
- Have experience of being in care before the age of 18
- Be studying their first undergraduate qualification
- Be registered to study a minimum of 30 credits per academic year
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open.
- Application deadline: Wednesday 30 July 2025
- Notification of outcome: By 13 August 2025
To apply and view the full eligibility criteria, please visit:
The Open University Care-Experienced Scholarship
Applicants will need to complete an online application form and submit evidence confirming their care experience.
