Widening participation
If you want to study at university then we’ll do our absolute best to help you succeed regardless of your circumstances.
The University of Stirling is committed to enabling students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential. We believe that everyone has the potential to succeed and actively encourage applications from non-traditional groups. The Widening Participation staff support a wide range of different students who can be considered as coming from a widening participation background.
We work with students, and their parents, guardians and advisers, to help find the right route into university for them. There are a number of different options available depending on your background and what you want to study.
Are you a widening access student?
We select students based on both ability and potential. We don’t just look at grades – we look at all the information provided across the application form to assess the potential of each student. There a number of types of students who we would consider to be a widening access student. These include:
- You are from a priority postcode area (check your postcode below)
- You are involved in the – Aspire North, Focus West, LEAPS and Lift Off
- You are a care experienced student
- You are a young or adult carer
- You are a student on the University of Stirling Access to Degree Studies Programme
- You are a student on a SWAP access course (Scottish Wider Access Programme)
If you're not sure if your school is a member of the Schools for Higher Education Programme, then get in touch and we'll let you know. Email us at realiseyourpotential@stir.ac.uk.
Help and advice
There is lots of help and advice we can give you, depending on where you’re from and what type of student you are.
Coming from school
University is an option that is open to everyone no matter who you are or where you come from.
Coming from college
Our college students make up a significant part of the student population at Stirling. See how we can help you enter the University.
Mature students
We're here to help anyone who is interested at studying at the University whatever your age and background.
Care experienced students
We recognise that some care leavers may face different kinds of hurdles in coming to university.
Young and adult carers
We recognise that some care leavers may face different kinds of hurdles in coming to university.
Parents and guardians
Going to university is a big step for students. Find out how we provide security and wellbeing for our students.
Teachers, lecturers and career advisers
We can work with you to help your students through their journey to higher education.
Financial support
See what financial support is available specifically for widening access students.
Ashley's story
Ashley Cameron grew up in care and had many people in her life who told her that "she would never get to university". Hear from Ashley on her achievements at the University of Stirling and her exciting career.
Get in touch
You probably have loads of questions about coming to university. Just get in touch – we’re here to help.
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