Students with parenting responsibilities
If you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of a child aged 17 or under, you may be able to access additional support while studying.
If you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of a child aged 17 or under, you may be able to access additional support while studying.
This might mean you are:
UCAS has introduced a section in the application so you can share more information about your circumstances with the university or college – including whether you have parenting responsibilities. This information means the university or college will be able to connect you to the right support for your needs quickly and easily, and ensure you have all the information you need.
If you are a parent, just select ‘yes’ from the drop-down box in the question that asks if you have any parenting responsibilities in the ‘More about you’ section of the application. You do not need to give any further details, but if you would like to, you can provide more information in your personal statement.
Note: There is a separate question where you can share if you have caring responsibilities.
Sharing– or choosing not to share – that you have parental responsibility will never have a negative impact on your application for university or college
The purpose of inviting you to share this information is simply to enable your university or college to support you.
You are always in control – if you decide you don’t want support, you can choose not to accept it, but if you change your mind later on, or if your circumstances change, it’s ready for you.
Read our FAQs for more info about sharing your parenting responsibilities in the UCAS application
Not all universities and colleges offer the same type of support so research your options before you make your application.
Universities and colleges are aware that if you are balancing your studies with family life, you may experience challenges from time-to-time. Extra support may be available to help you manage, such as:
Find out exactly what's available for you – not all providers can offer the same level of support.
We strongly recommend getting in touch with student services to discuss your support needs – their details will be on the uni website.
As well as seeing the facilities first-hand, you can ask questions and speak to student services.
If the dates aren’t practical for you, see if you can arrange a visit independently, or ask to talk to another student in a similar situation.
Trying to understand what you’re entitled to can be confusing, so it’s a good idea to speak to an adviser at the university or Citizens Advice, or at an independent advice centre.