Sanctuary Scholarship
About this opportunity
Swansea University is proud to announce the Sanctuary Scholarship. The University is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education for people seeking sanctuary in the UK and aiding them to meet their full potential and ambitions. The Scholarship offers three awards for entry to an eligible postgraduate taught master’s programme starting in September 2025, and
includes:
– A full tuition fee bursary, to cover the cost of postgraduate master’s course fees.
– A grant is available to contribute towards living and study costs. This is capped at £12,000 for the duration of the course, paid as a monthly stipend.
In addition to the financial support listed above, throughout their studies, Sanctuary Scholars will have access to a named contact within the University team and University support services, and will be able to access library support.
Level of Study
- Master’s - Taught
Eligibility
Asylum seeker, Humanitarian protection, Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain
Additional notes about eligibility criteria
Applicants must be:
Currently be in the UK.
Unable to access mainstream funding in the UK.
Have a conditional or unconditional offer from Swansea University for entry in September 2025 onto a postgraduate taught master’s degree course.
Meet the minimum IELTS requirement attached to your offer, and all other conditions of your offer.
Must agree to undertake a Swansea University specific language test to determine your IELTS status as part of the application process if required.
Have been assessed by the University’s Admissions Team as a person seeking asylum and therefore classified as an international student.
Have been assessed by the University’s Compliance and International@StudentLife Team as a person seeking asylum with the right to study in the UK.
Are currently attending a school, college, community or voluntary group, which can provide a reference in support of your application.
Have a UK bank account.
Please note that priority will be given to candidates who have not previously obtained a degree at the same level.
What is included in this opportunity?
- Fee Waiver (no fees)
- Partial bursary (study costs and partial living costs)
- Application support and advice
Additional notes about support provided
You will be given a named contact who will provide dedicated support, continuous and regular advice, assistance with accommodation, and opportunities to connect with other students and events within the university.
Types of study available
- Part-time / flexible
- Full-time
- Face-to-face
Additional details about application process
You will firstly need to hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study at Swansea University on an eligible master’s course.
Future Learn provides a free online course to help asylum seekers through the application process of applying to a UK university.
Applicants must apply before the application deadline of 4pm on Thursday 31st July 2025. Please read the Sanctuary Scholarship Guidance Notes before completing your application.
To apply, complete and submit the following to Sanctuary@swansea.ac.uk:
Application form – Please email us to request this.
A personal statement
A copy of your Swansea University offer letter
A letter of reference from a person of good standing who is aware of your circumstances and can verify your suitability to study a Postgraduate Taught Masters’ degree (for example a teacher or former teacher, a member of a community group or organisation that has been supporting you, etc).
Evidence of your current immigration status/pending status*
*Eligibility to apply for the scholarship is contingent upon successful confirmation of the student’s immigration status at the time of application, and the successful scholarship recipient will be required to reconfirm their immigration status prior to enrolment on their postgraduate taught master’s degree.
Applicants will be notified if their application meets the eligibility criteria within 10 days of the final deadline of the 21st July 2025.
Once approved, applications will be put forward for assessment by the Sanctuary Scholarship Review Panel. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
Please note that this is a competitive process, and consequently not all applications will be successful. All students have the right to appeal decisions made regarding their eligibility to apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship – please contact Sanctuary@Swansea.ac.uk for further details. Appeals must be submitted within 3 working days of the application being rejected, and must be supported by relevant evidence.
Decisions made by the Compliance and International Team regarding students’ immigration status and right to study in the UK are final, unless you are able to provide new evidence for your current legal right to remain and study in the UK.
Number of places available
3
Is this opportunity available for individuals outside of the UK?
No
For further questions contact Amy Cribb
Email Us sanctuary@swansea.ac.uk
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Resources
For further guidance on how to apply to university, check out our resources page
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