Support for Care Experienced Students

We understand that navigating the application process and adjusting to life at university can be particularly challenging for care experienced students and want to support you and ensure your time at university is as stress free and successful as possible.

The University of Galway defines ‘care experienced’ as any individual who has lived in alternative care (i.e., not under parental care) for any amount of time before the age of 18.

Being care experienced means you will have spent time with foster carers, in residential care, in special care, or you were adopted. It can also mean you lived with relatives or friends in a formal or informal arrangement because you were unable to live with your parents; this is called kinship care. 

What Can We Offer You?

University of Galway offers a wide range of wellbeing, academic and financial support for students who come to study here. 

We have a named contact at the University (Betty Attwood) for young people who are care experienced so that you have a single point of contact to help you with any questions or queries both before you get here and during your studies. 

Betty, and the Access Centre Team, can offer one-to-one support throughout the various stages of applying and studying at University of Galway:

Application stage – We can support you to navigate through the various stages of applying to University of Galway, including looking at alternative entry routes and financial aid options. 

During your studies at University of Galway – We can support you to thrive in your studies and make the most of your experience at the University.

• Advocacy - Personalised support such as 1-to-1 check-ins, assistance navigating issues with fees, registration, advice on the process for getting Tusla Aftercare Payment documentation signed, as well as help liaising with course coordinators, lectures, and connecting with various university supports when issues arise.
• Information on Financial Supports -  Information about financial support and alternative pathways to university such as applying for HEAR, DARE, the 1916 Bursary, the Financial Aid Fund, Tusla’s Aftercare Bursary, and SUSI, as applicable. Form filling assistance is also available.
• Campus supports: We can link you into services and supports available at University of Galway that best suit your needs.

Contact Us

Please email betty.attwood@universityofgalway.ie or call 086 074 7943 if you or your supporters have any questions.

Helpful Links

• Student Services 
• Student Advisors 
• 1916 Bursary 
• Financial Aid Fund