Support for student carers
We welcome and actively support applications from people with caring responsibilities. If you are a student carer, you can expect a range of support from us both during the application process and throughout your time at the University.
A student carer is someone who, at any point in their studies, provides unpaid care for a family member or friend who would not be able to manage without that support.
Student carers provide emotional and/or practical care, due to:
- illness
- disability
- a mental health problem
- an addiction
If you are unsure if you are a student carer, or to discuss your situation with us, please get in touch using the contact details below.
We provide a range of support that you can access before you apply and throughout your degree.
Before you arrive, we offer:
- tailored advice on the application process
- consideration at admissions under the challenging circumstances policy
- specific pre-application support through our range of Access Edinburgh programmes
- guidance on financial support including how to apply for funding
- visits to our campus
- a meeting in person or a chat over the phone
- a named contact at the University, who is a friendly face to answer questions and worries you might have
While you are here, we offer:
- a range of student support services available throughout your studies, which we can co-ordinate on your behalf
- to match you with an undergraduate peer mentor in your first year
- to link you in with a network of other student carers
- a named contact at the University, who is a friendly face to answer questions and worries you might have
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you during the application process and throughout your degree.
Kirstin Henry
Widening Participation Manager

- Edinburgh Cares
- Widening Participation Team
Contact details
- Work: 07884 117 146
- Email: edinburghcares@ed.ac.uk
Jess Hume
Widening Participation Officer

- Student Recruitment and Admissions
Contact details
- Work: +44 (0)131 651 5585
- Email: jess.hume@ed.ac.uk
Related links
The Advice Place (specific advice for student carers)