Social Housing Scholarships Programme
Build your future with confidence and tailored support.
The Social Housing Scholarships Programme is an ambitious new initiative that supports residents to succeed at university and build meaningful careers.
It unlocks potential pathways to opportunities in community investment, research, property management, development, finance, IT, data, marketing, and more, helping people grow while strengthening local communities.
Whether you are finishing school, college, changing careers, or returning to study later in life, this programme offers financial support, real-world experience, and access to a diverse network of professionals who want to see you succeed.
Applications open Friday, 24 April 2026 and close Sunday, 5 July 2026 at midnight.
About the programme
Led by Clarion Futures and Blackbullion, in partnership with Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH), Peabody, L&Q, Riverside, Places for People, The Hyde Group, and the Fusion21 Foundation, this programme is designed to remove financial and practical barriers that can make higher education harder to access and navigate.
What scholars receive
- Financial support: You will receive £6,000 per year, paid in a way that supports daily living costs and study materials. This support is designed to ease financial pressure and give you greater stability, so you can focus on your studies and make the most of university life.
- Paid internships: You will complete at least one paid summer internship during your course, hosted by a housing association or partner organisation. These placements provide practical experience to build confidence and insight into working life and professional networks before you graduate, giving you a head start when applying for future roles.
- Mentoring and personal development: Each scholar is matched with a mentor who you can talk to about your academic progress, career planning, and personal growth. You will also take part in group sessions, workshops, and networking events focused on leadership and professional development, giving you clarity, direction, and the confidence to take your next steps.
- Volunteering opportunities: volunteering opportunities tailored to your interests and career goals, helping you build skills, networks and community connections, strengthening your CV while making a positive contribution locally.
Who is this programme for?
Whether you are the first in your family planning to go to university, balancing study with work or unsure whether traditional scholarships are for you, this programme is open to residents of any age and recognises that your real-world experience is a strength, and not a disadvantage.
This programme supports people like you, who understand their communities, helping you succeed at university and build a career with purpose that makes a real difference locally and beyond.
You can apply if you:
- Are a social housing resident in England.
- Hold a confirmed place (firm or unconditional offer accepted) to start or continue an undergraduate degree in September 2026.
- Commit to engaging with mentoring, development and internships.
- Show motivation, potential, and commitment.
- Will be studying a degree aligned to the programme’s focus (housing, built environment, community-linked, or a career that can support these programme themes).
Academic results are not the main selection criteria. We are looking for drive, ambition, and a willingness to learn.
Degrees and career pathways supported
Housing is about much more than repairs or customer service roles. It is a dynamic sector offering a wide range of professional pathways with real social impact. This programme supports careers linked to housing, homes, and communities. Some career paths, such as medicine or other science-based subjects, sit outside the scope of this programme, so please consider this before applying. Examples of degrees linked to this programme include:
- Housing and property
- Construction and building safety
- Sustainability and environmental management
- IT and digital services
- Finance, procurement and project management
- Community engagement and customer services
- Business management and leadership
- Social policy and community development
- Asset management and surveying
- Architecture and urban planning
- Real estate and development
Long-term impact and benefits
This four-year programme will offer:
- Seven scholarships in 2026
- Seven scholarships in 2027
- Paid internships for 2026 scholars in 2028 or 2029
- Paid internships for 2027 scholars in 2029 or 2030
By the end of the programme, scholars will have:
- Reduced financial pressure.
- Professional experience on your CV, including evidence of practical hands-on experience within the housing sector.
- A mentor and established professional network across multiple housing organisations and partners.
- Clearer career direction and confidence to take the next step after graduation.
As a scholar, you have the chance to become a role model in your community and help shape a more inclusive future workforce. Your personal insights and perspective offer valuable understanding of how homes and services are delivered. This programme invests in your potential and supports you to build a meaningful career that brings resident-focused insight into the housing sector.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications open Friday, 24 April 2026 and close Sunday, 5 July 2026 at midnight.
FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions about the Social Housing Scholarship. If you are unsure whether it is right for you, we encourage you to read on and apply.
