How we support the most vulnerable students: Sanctuary Scholarships
Recently recognised as a University of Sanctuary, Leeds is proud to support people seeking safety through access to education. Since 2018, the Plus Programme has helped more than 30 forced migrants and asylum seekers begin their academic journeys through Sanctuary Scholarships—offering funding, guidance, and a community of support.
Forced Migrants and Higher Education
Forced migrants face extraordinary challenges that go far beyond the typical student experience. They often navigate language barriers while juggling academic demands alongside asylum case appeals and family responsibilities.
Financial hardship is a major concern, with some surviving on just £37 a week before beginning their studies. Compounding this issue is the lack of access to mainstream funding for higher education—many forced migrants are ineligible for support from schemes like Student Finance England due to their immigration status. This exclusion can make university education financially unattainable, even for those with the academic potential and drive to succeed.
Sanctuary Scholarships
Sanctuary Scholarships at the ¾ÞÈéÊÓƵ are designed for forced migrants living in the UK whose immigration status prevents them from accessing mainstream student finance. The system is complex, and eligibility varies widely—so the scholarships aim to remove financial barriers for those who would otherwise be unable to attend university.
Scholarships were first awarded in 2018/19, following years of dedicated work by a cross-university group of academics, student support staff, and outreach teams. At the time, few universities offered such scholarships, though momentum was growing nationally.
Each scholarship covers full tuition for the duration of study, including foundation years and integrated master's programmes where possible. Scholars also receive £10,000 annually for living costs, with efforts underway to secure discounted accommodation to make this funding go further. Beyond financial support, the Plus Programme provides tailored guidance through monthly one-to-one check-ins and an optional advocacy service, helping students navigate university life without repeatedly disclosing personal circumstances.
Outreach is both local and national, with strong partnerships built over time. To reach prospective applicants, the Plus Programme works closely with local organisations such as , , and , as well as national networks like and the . These partnerships ensure that information reaches the right communities, and that applications are supported by trusted, familiar contacts.
The application process itself includes a short form and a personal statement, focused on students’ aspirations rather than past trauma—ensuring a positive and empowering experience from the very beginning.
The Sanctuary Scholarship has had a positive impact in every aspect—academically, in my life situation, financially. It’s been life changing, especially with my mental health. It gives me much hope and encouragement.
The Impact
Since 2018/19, the Sanctuary Scholarship has offered forced migrants a route into higher education at Leeds—students excluded from mainstream funding due to their immigration status. To date, 36 scholarships have been awarded, including four new recipients preparing to begin their studies this September.
One Sanctuary Scholar, currently studying Chemical and Energy Engineering, reflects on their journey: “When I came to the UK I wanted to do engineering, but it was so hard for me to see what path I could take. I didn’t know anything about GCSEs or the system in the UK for education, and when I found out about GCSEs I thought I would have to go to school even though I was over 16. Eventually I learned about the access course that I ended up doing.”
Despite receiving university offers, funding remained a major barrier. “It took me like four years to get a scholarship to enable me to go to university. I didn’t have much guidance on how to do things, and it was difficult to find organisations that would support me.”
The scholarship has brought stability and hope. “It’s been like a dream for me and so important for my family. My father always regretted that I didn’t have the chance to go before he had to change our life. Now he’s much happier than before.”
The maintenance award has made a tangible difference. “It means that if someone in my family needs to go out they can, and it makes us feel a little bit more safe. For me, it’s helped with things like transport to the ¾ÞÈéÊÓƵ, and I could easily go and buy a laptop and a desk for studying. Before the Scholarship we would manage the money we had carefully, so I would cancel going out and just sit at home, but now it makes us feel like we are living.”
Support from the university has also been a key part of the experience. “I feel well supported at the university for guidance and help, more than any other university. Having a one-to-one contact on the Scholarships team has been great. If I have any questions I’ll ask straight away and I’m not scared or anything.”
Looking ahead to graduation, the scholar is focused on the future. “I just don’t feel like I can believe it. All my aims now are for the next step. I’m trying to get involved with mentoring schemes and any opportunities that can give me work experience. The Sanctuary Scholarship has had a positive impact in every aspect—academically, in my life situation, financially. It’s been life changing, especially with my mental health. It gives me much hope and encouragement.”
Get in touch
In addition to Sanctuary Scholarships, the Plus Programme now offers dedicated scholarships for students displaced by the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. To find out more about either scholarship, please email SanctuaryScholarships@leeds.ac.uk.