Students with caring responsibilities
Are you a student carer?
At Heriot-Watt we use the definition of carer developed by the Carers Trust, which is:
'A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.'
Please note this definition does not apply where a student has a work placement or paid employment as a carer.
Going Higher for Student Carers
The University received the Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award in March 2020 from Carers Trust Scotland. The award recognises our commitment and success in how we identify, support, and celebrate our students with caring responsibilities from the pre-enrolment stages of their student journey all the way to graduation.
Heriot-Watt is committed to giving access and opportunities to student carers and we recognise carers as one of our widening access (WA) student groups. By telling us you are a student carer we can provide access to a range of advice, guidance and support to help you succeed at university. Please be reassured that any information you tell us will be dealt with confidentially.
You can let us know you are a carer during the application stage by ticking the box on your UCAS application, emailing access@hw.ac.uk, by ticking the box during your enrolment or at any point during your studies by emailing wpwellbeing@hw.ac.uk.
Caring responsibilities may change over time with the demands on carers increasing, diminishing or ending. We will ensure that you have the opportunity to discuss any changes in your caring responsibilities and what support you might need as a result.