UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Finance
Enhanced levels of financial support for on-course estranged students from 2019/20. From 2020/21, UK domiciled, SLC/SAAS-registered estranged students starting first degrees, and whose household income is less than £27,500, will be eligible for a maximum non-repayable bursary of £7,200 p.a. Estranged undergraduates who are eligible for Oxford bursaries (household income of £27,500-£42,875) and those identified outside of the SLC/SAAS process, will be eligible to apply on an as-needs basis, for a living cost supplement of up to £3,000 p.a., recognising additional expenditure during vacations.
Accommodation
We will guarantee estranged students vacation accommodation, if required. This will be widely publicised so that undergraduates are aware of, and encouraged to make use of, the provision. We will also explore the possibilities for accommodating them with or in proximity to other students who are remaining in Oxford during vacation periods, to minimise the risks of isolation.
Mental Health
We offer support through one-to-one sessions, groups and workshops. Each College has its own welfare team, often including professional staff (nurse, GP, chaplain, counsellor), other trained staff members and student volunteers. Students can take any concerns to a member of their college welfare team for support and advice. As part of our Pledge, we will ensure that there is no overall cap on the number of counselling sessions an estranged student can receive.
Outreach
We have established a named contact for estranged students and will establish processes to inform applicants, offer-holders and current students of the University’s commitment to supporting estranged students, and the routes through which they can seek support.
Download Pledge Letter
