Access to Higher Education or University for people affected by forced migration.
Contents
Scholarships
The North West of the UK offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support refugees and asylum seekers in accessing higher education. These scholarships are provided by universities and organizations committed to ensuring that individuals who have fled their home countries can rebuild their lives through education.
University of Sanctuary Scholarships
Many universities in the North West are part of the University of Sanctuary initiative, as part of Student Action for Refugees (STAR) scholarships. The scholarships provides fee waivers and maintenance grants to asylum seekers and refugees. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and support students throughout their studies.
Eligibility:
- Must have refugee or asylum-seeker status.
- Must be applying to a participating University of Sanctuary.
Participating Universities:
Some Universities that offer scholarships in the North West are:
The University of Manchester offers several scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers, including the Humanitarian Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses. The Article 26 Scholarship also provides a fee waiver, £5,000 per year, accommodation, and personal support.
The University of Liverpool provides undergraduate Asylum Seekers Scholarships with a fee waiver, £4,000+ per year, and a discount on university accommodation. For postgraduates, the Humanitarian Scholarships include a full fee waiver, accommodation, a stipend of up to £18,688, and language support.
Lancaster University offers the Sanctuary Scholarship, which includes a fee waiver, up to £5,000 per year, accommodation, and coaching support for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The University of Salford provides a Sanctuary Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering a fee waiver and £1,100 per year for those from forced migration backgrounds not eligible for student finance.
The University of Chester offers the Sanctuary Award, which includes a fee waiver, up to £2,500 per year in-kind support, and personal support for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Edge Hill University has previously offered a Sanctuary Award with a fee waiver and £800 for undergraduate students, though it is not currently available.
UCLan (University of Central Lancashire) offers a Sanctuary Scholarship with a fee waiver and a support package worth up to £5,000 per year for undergraduate students from a range of immigration backgrounds.
The University of Cumbria provides a Sanctuary Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students, including a full fee waiver, free year-round campus accommodation, and a £3,000 annual grant.
How to apply for a scholarship
To apply for these scholarships, prospective students should:
- Research: Visit the university websites and the STAR network to find detailed information about available scholarships.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents such as proof of refugee or asylum-seeker status, academic transcripts, and personal statements.
- Submit Applications: Follow the application procedures outlined by each university, ensuring all deadlines are met.
How to apply to university
Whether someone pays fees as a “Home” student or an “Overseas” student is decided by the governments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each country may have different rules, so it is important to check.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has advice and guidance on The UKCISA – international student advice and guidance – Home or Overseas fees: the basics website.
Advice and Guidance on how to apply for university can be found on the Student Action for Refugees – How to apply website.
Pre-university courses
To help learners from other countries prepare for university, some universities deliver courses. These courses may be called ‘EAP’ which means English for Academic Purposes or ‘pre-sessional’. These courses focus on helping learners practice skills needed for studying at University level. More information can be found on the following websites:
- Student Action for Refugees – Pre-university courses website.
- The Displaced Student Opportunities website lets you filter for information that suits your needs around pre-university courses.
Information for universities on helping refugees and people seeking asylum access Higher Education
There are challenges around financing and eligibility that need to be overcome for refugees and people seeking asylum to gain access to Higher Education. The Refugee Education UK have a range of useful resources on the Refugee Education UK | Advice sheets for practitioners website, focusing on transitions for young refugees and asylum seekers.
For further guidance and advice for university staff please visit the Student Action for Refugees – Guidance for universities website.
Helpful Website Links
The Student Action for Refugees – University scholarships website lists some schemes, but please contact the universities directly to get up to date information.
The Displaced Student Opportunities website lets you filter for information that suits your needs around scholarships.
Detail on eligibility and finance can be found on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) UCAS: Student finance for refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Conservatoires website.