About the fund

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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 fund:
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 recieve
💰 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.

Requirements:
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:

• Are a social housing resident in England
• Be paying domestic UK tuition fees
• 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
• Business management and leadership
• Asset management and surveying
• Architecture and urban planning
• Real estate and development

Special considerations:
You don’t need to meet these points to apply, but some applicants may be prioritised if they are:

• Residents of partner housing associations
• Students interested in careers linked to housing or communities
• Students who are the first in their family to go to university
• Students from lower-income households (this information is collected for understanding and reporting, and not to exclude applicants)

Your application:
We take a holistic approach to applications. There are no minimum grade requirements beyond university entry criteria.

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
• Professional experience on your CV, including evidence of practical hands-on experience within the housing sector
• 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.

For more information email.