Social Housing Scholarships Programme

Who can apply for the scholarship?

You can apply if you:

1. Live in social housing in England (through a housing association or local council).
2. Are applying for an undergraduate degree (not postgraduate or college courses).
3. Have, or expect to have, a confirmed university place.
4. Are studying for a degree that the programme and housing sector can meaningfully support.

Most subjects are eligible. However, some courses (such as medical degrees and other highly specialised professional training pathways unrelated to housing, homes, communities, or related services) are not eligible because we are unable to provide relevant sector-based support alongside them.  If you are unsure whether your course qualifies, we encourage you to contact us before applying.

Do I need to live in a specific housing association?

No. The scholarship is open to residents of social housing across England. Applicants who live in partner housing associations may be prioritised, but you can still apply if your landlord is not currently a partner.

Is there an age limit?

There is no formal age limit. However, the scholarship is primarily intended for applicants entering their first undergraduate degree, particularly those progressing directly from sixth form or equivalent study.  Applicants who are beginning their first degree will be prioritised.

Can I apply if I already receive other funding?

Yes. You can apply alongside other funding sources, such as student loans, bursaries, or grants.  Who is the scholarship especially keen to support?  You do not need to meet these criteria to apply, but additional consideration may be given to applicants who are:

1. Interested in careers linked to housing or communities.
2. The first in their family to attend university.
3. From lower-income households.

Student finance entitlement is collected to understand the programme’s reach and impact. It is not used to exclude applicants.

Where do I apply?

You can access the application either through external promotional activity or via the funding hub on Blackbullion.

Can I start my application and finish it later?

Yes. You can:

1. Start your application and return to it later.
2. Pause and resume your application at any time before the deadline.

If you start but do not submit your application, you will receive reminder emails before the deadline.

What happens once I submit my application?

Once you submit your application:

1. You will receive a confirmation email.
2. Your application will move into the assessment stage.

We are interested in you as a person, not just your academic grades.  Applications are assessed based on:

1. Your story, motivation, and future goals.
2. Your potential and commitment to succeed.
3. Your alignment with the aims of the programme and its impact.
4. Your interest in engaging fully with the opportunities provided.

There are no minimum grade requirements beyond what your university requires for entry. Selection is based on potential and programme fit.

How will I know if I am being considered?

You will be notified directly by the programme team if you are:

1. Being considered for shortlisting.
2. Invited to interview.

These updates will be sent via email in July 2026.

Is there support for shortlisted applicants?

If you are shortlisted, you will be offered tailored support through webinars, workshops and optional 1‑to‑1 sessions delivered by Clarion Futures Jobs and training team. This includes a Resilience Workshop to help manage stress and stay motivated, an Interview Skills Workshop to build confidence and prepare for the final interview, and a bookable 1‑to‑1 clinic offering personalised guidance from an Employment Support Officer.

What happens if I am NOT shortlisted?

If you are not shortlisted:

1. You will be notified in July 2026.
2. Your application will be closed within the system.
3. You will receive guidance and tips to help strengthen future applications.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, feedback will not be provided on an individual basis.

What happens if I am invited to interview?

If shortlisted, you will:

1. Attend an interview with the programme team.
2. Be assessed on your motivation, potential, and alignment with the scholarship.

After the interview, you will receive a follow-up email confirming whether you have been successful or unsuccessful , as well as any relevant feedback from the session.

  

How and when will successful applicants be notified?

Students who complete interviews (and confirm their university acceptance) will receive an email confirming the final decision.

Successful applicants will:

1. Be formally notified by email in late August 2026.
2. Be introduced internally to the client team for next steps and further engagement.

What support is available if I am unsuccessful after

Unsuccessful applicants will:

1. Receive confirmation by email.
2. Be offered guidance, tips, and support to strengthen future applications.

What does taking part in the programme involve?

If awarded a scholarship, you will be expected to:

1. Take part in mentoring and support activities.
2. Engage in development opportunities and events.
3. Contribute to light-touch evaluation to help improve the programme.

This shared commitment ensures you gain the full benefit of the programme while helping shape its future.

How will I receive my scholarship payments?

Once your scholarship has been formally confirmed, we will set up your payment instalment plan.

Payments are made through the Blackbullion system and are dependent on your continued engagement with the programme. This includes maintaining regular contact with the organisation and participating in agreed activities and events.

Scholarship funds are typically paid in monthly instalments starting in September. The first instalment is usually a larger payment to help with the additional costs of starting university.  You will receive an email confirming your full payment schedule, including all instalment dates, once this has been set up.

What happens in Year 2/3?

To continue receiving the scholarship into your second year, you will need to confirm your progression at university.

Ongoing funding will also be dependent on your continued commitment to the programme. We encourage you to stay actively engaged with the organisation throughout the year to make the most of your scholarship experience.