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Widening participation

Step Up

Supporting young people aged 16 to 17 who are in their first year of college (level 4) or sixth form (Year 12) and are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Participants are welcomed onto campus to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subject through our academic masterclasses or to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a university student at our residential summer school.

Applications for the Step Up Summer School are now open

Young person in white shirt sat at desk

Masterclasses

A series of academic workshops covering various subjects to give you an insight into university learning and teaching.

Participants sitting together outdoors writing and discussing ideas during a Step Up summer school activity.

Summer School

A three-day residential summer school on Cardiff University campus where you'll experience university life first hand.

Eligibility criteria

To be able to apply for Step Up, you must meet all of the required eligibility criteria.

The more additional eligibility criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. Not meeting all of these will not disqualify you.

  • live in Wales, with a Welsh postcode
  • attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college
  • are 16 or 17 and in your first year of college (level 4) or sixth form (Year 12)
  • have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades A*- C, including at least a C in English Language or Literature and Maths
  • meet at least one of the additional eligibility criteria
  • for the Step Up Masterclasses only: Live within a reasonable distance to Cardiff University (90 minutes away maximum)
  • live in an area where not many people go to university and/or has a high level of socio-economic deprivation (we use multiple measures to determine this, but the OFS postcode checker is a good indication)
  • are, or have been, in care
  • qualify for free school meals
  • are among the first generation of your family to attend university
  • are an asylum seeker or refugee
  • attend a school or college that performs below the national average at Key Stage 4/5
  • are a young carer
  • are disabled
  • are an estranged young person
  • have a household income of under £35,000
  • are eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like further information about any of the above, get in touch:

Widening participation and outreach team