Places for People back major new scholarships programme to open up careers in social housing

To mark National Scholarships Week, PfP have teamed up with Clarion Futures and five other leading housing associations - Hyde, L&Q, MTVH, Peabody, and Riverside - to launch the Social Housing Scholarships Programme.  

Supported by match funding from the Fusion21 Foundation, this sector-wide initiative aims to break down barriers and transform pathways into housing-related careers for underrepresented groups. 

The programme supports a wide range of degree and career pathways, including property, construction, sustainability, social policy, urban planning, and business management. With over 200 different roles available across the sector - from frontline housing management to corporate services like IT and finance - there is a place for anyone with a desire to make a positive difference. 

Removing barriers for underrepresented students 

Open to social housing Customers of any age in England starting an undergraduate degree in 2026, the programme is designed to remove the financial and practical barriers that make higher education harder to access. 

Priority is given to applicants from lower-income households or those who are the first in their family to attend university. Selection is based on attitude, determination, and enthusiasm, with less emphasis on academic performance than standard scholarship programmes. 

Jamie Dickinson, Group Head of Social Impact at Places for People, said: “We see every day how much potential exists within our Communities, but we also see the very real barriers, including financial pressures, limited networks, and for some, the stigma that still surrounds coming from a social housing background, that can make university feel out of reach. These challenges aren’t about talent or ambition; they’re about structural inequalities that this programme aims to tackle head on. 

By offering financial support alongside mentoring and real industry experience, we’re helping people not only access university but to truly thrive once they’re there.  

This programme is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together. Through this scholarship, we’re opening doors to careers in housing and beyond, and investing in a new generation whose perspectives and experiences will be vital to the future of our sector.” 

Financial Support and Career Development 

Managed by Blackbullion, the programme will fund 14 scholarships over two years. Each scholar will receive £18,000 (£6,000 per year) to help with living costs while at university. 

Alongside financial support, scholars will gain: 

• A paid summer internship for hands-on CV experience.
• Professional mentoring.
• Clearer career direction and confidence for life after graduation. 

Scholars are empowered to become role models in their Communities, helping to shape a more inclusive future workforce. This investment in Customers potential ensures that the next generation of housing professionals brings vital, Customer-focused insight into how homes and services are delivered. 

More information 

Applications for the Social Housing Scholarships Programme are open from Friday 24 April until midnight on Sunday 5 July. Applicants will be selected following the publication of A-level results in August.  

Find out more about the Social Housing Scholarships Programme