Starting an apprenticeship is a big deal. You get to earn money, learn real skills, and start building the future you want - all at once.
But here's something a lot of people don't know: if you've been in the care of the local authority, you could be entitled to an extra £3,000, just for being on an apprenticeship. It's called the care leavers' bursary, and many people who qualify don’t claim it - simply because nobody told them it existed.
What is the care leavers’ bursary?
It's a cash payment of £3,000, paid to you in instalments across the first year of your apprenticeship. It's yours to spend however you like, there are no rules about what it has to go on.
And the best part? It won't cause you any problems elsewhere:
It's simply there to help you get into an apprenticeship - and stick with it.
Could this apply to me?
You may be eligible for the care leavers’ bursary if you:
Not sure if you count? That's fine, you don't need to have all the answers yourself. As a rough guide - if a local authority leaving care personal adviser has ever supported you, there's a good chance you qualify.
And if you received part of the bursary in the past but not the full amount, you may still be able to top it up to £3,000 on a new apprenticeship.
How much could I receive?
For apprentices who started on or after 1 August 2023, here’s how the care leavers’ bursary is paid.
It is normally paid in three instalments during your apprenticeship:
You need to still be doing your apprenticeship when each payment is due. The payment is claimed by your training provider and then passed on to you. Your training provider must pass each payment to you within 30 days of receiving it.
Do I need to tell my employer?
No. You do not have to tell your employer that you are a care leaver. There are separate pots of funding for employers and training providers if you are aged 19 to 24.
If you'd rather your employer didn't know, that's your call, and it doesn't affect your bursary. Your payments still go ahead either way.
What will I need?
To claim the bursary, you’ll need written confirmation from your local authority that you are eligible. This does not need to be in a special format - an email is enough.
Not sure how to get hold of that? Don't worry, we'll talk you through exactly what to ask for.
Realise can support you
If you’re applying for an apprenticeship with Realise, or you’re going through onboarding, just ask us about the care leavers' bursary. We'll help you work out whether it applies to you, what evidence you might need, and what happens next.
Think this could be you? Speak to us during your application or onboarding - we'll help you check.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and will always be confirmed before any bursary claim is made.