Social Housing Scholarships Programme

At Places for People, we are committed to finding new ways to help our Customers thrive in their education and careers.

Scholarship Programme At Pfp

Your launchpad for talent 

We believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to reach their professional goals. In partnership with Clarion Futures and a network of leading housing providers, we are proud to offer the Social Housing Scholarships Programme (SHSP) - a comprehensive support package designed to help you access higher education and thrive at university and beyond. 

This programme is powered by Blackbullion, the UK’s leading platform for student funding. They will be supporting you through the application process and providing expert tools to help you manage your money while you study. 

This is a competitive scholarship that provides not only financial assistance but also the professional tools and networks needed to succeed in your chosen field.

 

Apply now or find out more

What the programme offers 

This programme is designed to give you a head start. If your application is successful, you will receive a full package of support: 

  • Financial support: Total grant of £18,000 (£6,000 per year) to help with university living costs.
  • Paid work experience: A £5,000 paid internship to help you build practical skills and industry connections.
  • Mentoring & leadership: Access to personal mentoring and professional leadership training throughout your studies
  • Digital tools: Full access to the Blackbullion platform for financial education and budgeting support. 

Who can apply? 

The programme is open to all Places for People Customers living in social housing in England who are starting or looking to start an undergraduate degree in 2026. There is no age restriction for applicants

This programme aims to remove financial and practical barriers that can make higher education harder to access and navigate. Priority will be given to applicants from lower-income households or who are the first in their family to attend university, with selection based on attitude, determination and enthusiasm with less emphasis placed on academic performance than is typical in standard scholarship programmes. 

The programme specifically prioritises those interested in pathways connected to homes and Communities, such as: 

  • Construction and property management
  • Sustainability and environment
  • Social policy and urban planning
  • Business management and finance 

If these are areas you are interested in, then the SHSP could be a great opportunity to achieve your career goals.  

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Apply now!

Applications open on Friday 24 April 2026, and you have until Sunday 5 July 2026 to apply.
Apply now or find out more

Online training events

Clarion Futures is hosting a series of dedicated workshops to help you navigate the Social Housing Scholarship Programme. From step-by-step application guidance to building your confidence, these sessions ensure you have everything you need to submit a high-quality application.

 

Find out more

 

Frequently asked questions

The application process

Who can apply for the scholarship? 

You can apply if you:  

  • Live in social housing in England (through a housing association or local council). 
  • Are applying for an undergraduate degree (not postgraduate or college courses). 
  • Have, or expect to have, a confirmed university place.  
  • Are studying for a degree that the programme and housing sector can meaningfully support.  

Most subjects are eligible. However, some courses (such as medical degrees and other highly specialised professional training pathways unrelated to housing, homes, communities, or related services) are not eligible because the course is unable to provide relevant sector-based support alongside them.  

If you are unsure whether your course qualifies, please contact SHSP@clarionhg.com.  

Is there an age limit?

There is no formal age limit. However, the scholarship is primarily intended for applicants entering their first undergraduate degree, particularly those progressing directly from sixth form or equivalent study. 

Applicants who are beginning their first degree will be prioritised.

Can I apply if I already receive other funding?

Yes. You can apply alongside other funding sources, such as student loans, bursaries, or grants.

Where do I apply?  
Can I start my application and finish it later?

Yes you can pause and resume your application at any time before the deadline. If you start but do not submit your application, you will receive reminder emails before the deadline. 

Shortlisting and interviews

What happens once I submit my application?

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Your application will move into the assessment stage. 

How will my application be judged?

Applications are assessed based on:  

  • Your story, motivation, and future goals. 
  • Your potential and commitment to succeed. 
  • Your alignment with the aims of the programme and its impact.   
  • Your interest in engaging fully with the opportunities provided.  

There are no minimum grade requirements beyond what your university requires for entry. Selection is based on potential and programme fit. 

How will I know if I am being considered?

You will be notified directly by the programme team if you are:  

  • Being considered for shortlisting.  
  • Invited to interview.  

These updates will be sent via email in July 2026. 

What happens if I am NOT shortlisted?

If you are not shortlisted:  

  • You will be notified in July 2026.  
  • Your application will be closed within the system. 
  • You will receive guidance and tips to help strengthen future applications. 

Please note that due to the volume of applications, feedback will not be provided on an individual basis. 

Is there support for shortlisted applicants?

If you are shortlisted, you will be offered tailored support through webinars, workshops and optional 1‑to‑1 sessions delivered by Clarion Futures Jobs and training team.

This includes a Resilience Workshop to help manage stress and stay motivated, an Interview Skills Workshop to build confidence and prepare for the final interview, and a bookable 1‑to‑1 clinic offering personalised guidance from an Employment Support Officer. 

How and when will successful applicants be notified?

Applicants who complete interviews (and confirm their university acceptance) will receive an email confirming the final decision.  

Successful applicants will:  

  • Be formally notified by email in late August 2026.   
  • Be introduced internally to the client team for next steps and further engagement. 

Successful scholarship recipients

What does taking part in the programme involve?  

If awarded a scholarship, you will be expected to:  

  • Take part in mentoring and support activities.  
  • Engage in development opportunities and events.  
  • Contribute to light-touch evaluation to help improve the programme.  

This shared commitment ensures you gain the full benefit of the programme while helping shape its future. 

How will I receive my scholarship payments?

Once your scholarship has been formally confirmed, Blackbullion will set up your payment instalment plan.  

Payments are made through the Blackbullion system and are dependent on your continued engagement with the programme. This includes maintaining regular contact with the organisation and participating in agreed activities and events. 

Scholarship funds are typically paid in monthly instalments starting in September. The first instalment is usually a larger payment to help with the additional costs of starting university.  

You will receive an email confirming your full payment schedule, including all instalment dates, once this has been set up. 

What happens in Year 2/3?

To continue receiving the scholarship into your second year, you will need to confirm your progression at university.  

On-going funding will also be dependent on your continued commitment to the programme. We encourage you to stay actively engaged with the organisation throughout the year to make the most of your scholarship experience.