OXFORD University is offering support to students, including those who are LGBTQ+, if they no longer receiving the backing of their families.

Recent research has shown that 86 per cent of students rely on parental and familial support during their time at university.

But about 9,000 UK students have no contact or relationship with their families, leaving them financially and emotionally vulnerable during their studies.

A spokesman for Oxford University said those affected were often LGBT+ students who were rejected by family after coming out, children of immigrant families who reject practices such as forced marriage, or children who are distanced after divorce and remarriage.

Announcing the Stand Alone Pledge, the university is create a bespoke non-repayable bursary of up to £7,200 a year to help estranged students meet the costs of living outside of term time.

Prof Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Oxford University, said: “We are committed to ensuring equality and diversity in the student population. Recent research has led us to recognise that not all students will be studying with the support of their family network.

“This can lead to significant barriers for students.”