We know that two key areas of concern for estranged students include the level of financial support available and the availability of out of term-time accommodation. The Kent Estranged Student Pack has been designed with these areas of concern in mind.
With the exception of the guaranteed access to accommodation, the Estranged Student Package is usually delivered in a student's first year only. However if your circumstances change during the length of your course please contact the Financial Aid Office via the email address below.
What does the Estranged Student Funding include?
- Guaranteed access to accommodation for the duration of your course, including the summer vacation, subject to remaining in good financial standing with the University
- A one-off, £600 cash bursary towards the costs of starting life at University
- A one-off payment of £100 towards graduation costs for students who attend their graduation ceremony
- We may be able to provide provision for travel in advance to attend University interviews. (This must be applied for at least one week in advance).
What is the eligibility criteria?
You may apply for the support package if you meet the following criteria:
- You are/were a new, undergraduate student at the start of your course
- You are a UK home fee paying student
- You are under 25 years of age
- You are an independent student who is irreconcilably estranged from their parents
- You can provide written evidence that you are estranged from your parents*
*You will be required to provide evidence of your estrangement by Student Finance England (SFE). If you require further guidance on providing proof of your estrangement, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
How do I apply?
The Estranged Student Application Form for the academic year 2024/25 is available here.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications and queries should be made by email to FinancialAid@kent.ac.uk
The deadline for applications is 31 May 2025. If the deadline is missed and you continue to be a registered student at Kent, you can apply in the following academic year.
If you would like to apply for provision for travel to attend an interview please email your details to FinancialAid@kent.ac.uk at least one week prior to your interview date.
What other funding can I apply for?
The Kent Estranged Student Pack is available to students in addition to any other support they may receive from other sources (this excludes Care Leavers, Young Independents, Homeless/foyer Students and Student Carer Bursaries).
Student loans
Full-time and part-time undergraduate students are able to apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan to cover the costs of study and a maintenance loan for general living costs.
As an estranged student you are likely to be asked to provide written confirmation that you are irreconcilably estranged from your parents.
Kent Financial Support Package
At Kent, we believe that all students who have the academic potential to benefit from our courses should have the opportunity to come to the University and we have established one of the most generous financial support schemes in the UK. Learn more about the Kent Financial Support Package.
Students may become eligible for the KFSP at any stage of University, although the award will not be backdated. Students will only be paid the award from the moment their eligibility is confirmed (e.g. if a student becomes eligible in Stage 2, they will only be paid KFSP from Stage 2 onwards; they will not be awarded KFSP for any previous years of study).
Students will be assessed for KFSP under the criteria for their year of entry to the university.