Students from areas with historically low university participation rates will be able to claim travel costs when they visit an open day at the University of Chichester, in a bid to make higher education more accessible for all.
The new travel support scheme launched by the University is open to those from lower-income backgrounds, care-experienced young people, and those from areas with historically low university participation rates – with reimbursement of up to £75 to eligible prospective students and one guest.
The University already offers contextual admissions – taking into account challenges which could prevent a student from attending university – and the travel support scheme is just another step in helping to remove barriers people may face in their journey into higher education.
Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chichester, said: “We believe that every young person deserves the chance to study at university – and that means removing the practical barriers that can make it feel out of reach. An open day can be a genuinely transformative experience but only if you can afford to get here. This scheme is a small but meaningful step towards making sure that the cost of a train ticket or petrol never stands between a student and their future.”
Open days include free parking, free bus travel between the two campuses in Chichester and Bognor, free refreshments including ice cream, and a tote bag with goodies on arrival.
Prospective students can speak with teaching staff about their chosen course, explore the facilities and accommodation, and get answers from current students about everything from course content to societies and student life. Staff from admissions, student finance, wellbeing and careers are also on hand throughout the day.
Upcoming open days are taking place on Saturday 20 June, Saturday 10 October, Sunday 25 October and Saturday 21 November.
To claim travel support, eligible prospective students need to book an open day, register their attendance on the day, and submit a claim form with proof of address to the University within 14 days.
For more information, and to book an open day, visit: chi.ac.uk/open-days