Access+ eligibility

Find out more about our Access+ eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for Access+?

As part of our widening access activities (you may also be familiar with the term widening participation), we work with students who may face additional challenges and barriers on their journey to higher education.

We support students who are applying for their first year of undergraduate study or a science and engineering foundation year (SEFY).

The circumstances and backgrounds we consider for eligibility are:

Residents of areas of disadvantage (2025 entry)

You live in a postcode area with a low level of participation in higher education (POLAR4 quintile 1) or a neighbourhood that is assessed as being in a lower quintile in the Government's Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD quintile of 1 or 2).

Full eligibility information for residents of areas of disadvantage (2025 entry)

Residents of areas of disadvantage (2026 entry)

You live in a neighbourhood that is assessed as being in a lower quintile in the Government's Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD quintile of 1 or 2).

Full eligibility information for residents of areas of disadvantage (2026 entry and beyond)

Students entitled to free school meals

You have been entitled to free school meals at some point during the six years prior to your final KS4 year (the year you were aged 15-16).

Full eligibility information for students entitled to free school meals

Students who are care experienced

You have lived in public care or as a looked-after child at any stage of your life up to the age of 18

Full eligibility information for students who are care experienced

Students who are care leavers

You are recognised by your Local Authority as a 'care leaver' or were in the past. 

Full eligibility information for students who are care leavers

Students who are estranged from their families

You have no relationship with, or support from, your parent(s) or carer(s).

Full eligibility information for students who are estranged from their families

Students who are carers

You are responsible for providing unpaid care to someone.

Full eligibility information for students who are carers

Students who have parenting responsibilities

You are a parent of, or responsible for the care and wellbeing of, a child aged 17 or under. 

Full eligibility information for students who have parenting responsibilities

Students who are forced migrants

You have official refugee status or limited leave to remain; or are seeking asylum.

Full eligibility information for students who are forced migrants

Contact

If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at access@sheffield.ac.uk.

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