Support for estranged students
What does estranged mean?
In Scotland, definitions of estrangement vary. The Scottish Funding Council describe estranged as meaning that you no longer have contact with your parents or legal guardians due to a permanent breakdown in your relationship.
In November 2022 the Scottish Government published Estranged students in Further (FE) and Higher Education (HE) – experiences: research. This research found that being estranged impacted on students’ experiences of college and university in Scotland in several ways, including the cost of living, accommodation concerns, and physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Interviewees also highlighted that estrangement had adversely impacted on their experiences of college and university in terms of attainment, transitions and progression.
The support available to estranged students at college or university varies for each institution. Below we have outlined sources of support for estranged students studying in Scotland.
Support for estranged students
LEAPS is a widening participation programme in Scotland who promote and support access to higher education. Their website has specific information aimed at estranged students, including:
- How to identify yourself as estranged on your UCAS application.
- Financial support for estranged students.
- Information on where to access support as well as a named contact.
- List of college and university named contacts for estranged students. Please note that this list includes 26 of 35 total institutions for Scotland and the details included may change occasionally.
Support at your college or university
As highlighted, support available to estranged students at college or university varies for each institution.
The Think Positive Hub includes a summary of mental health support available at every college and university in Scotland. These pages contain the contact details for staff at each institution who can advise on the support available to estranged students.
Further support and useful links
- UCAS guide for estranged students.
- SAAS funding guide for estranged students.
- SCAPP (Scotland’s Community of Access and Participation Practitioners) have information on best practice in supporting estranged students – particularly relevant to staff working in colleges and universities.
- List of organisations offering a range of mental health services, resources and information.
