The Compass Project Sanctuary Scholarship
About this opportunity
Birkbeck’s Sanctuary Scholarships are part of the Compass Project. The Compass Sanctuary Scholarship provides opportunities into higher education for people from a forced migrant background through offering the chance to study a university-level programme at Birkbeck.
Birkbeck is committed to supporting those who have taken a less traditional route into higher education and this scholarship is aimed at helping those who may face difficulty in accessing other educational opportunities due to lack of previous academic documentation, or for those who have been out of education for a long period of time.
Birkbeck sponsors a limited number of students a year under the Sanctuary Scholarship Programme. Students may apply for funding for either a certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate course at Birkbeck. It is a competitive scholarship and we do receive more applications than available places.
Successful applicants will receive:
– a full tuition fee waiver for their choice of programme
– additional financial support to cover costs such as transport, childcare and books
– please note that the scholarship does not include accommodation.
Applications for courses starting October 2025 will be open 23 April to 20 May 2025.
Compass scholarship information events will be held on Birkbeck campus and virtually in March 2025. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/events?tag=262
Level of Study
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
- Master’s - Taught
- Master’s - Research
Eligibility
Asylum seeker, Refugee, Humanitarian protection, Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain
Additional notes about eligibility criteria
The Compass Project offers opportunities to those who would not otherwise be able to access university-level education elsewhere. We therefore prioritise applicants who meet the following criteria:
– those who have not previously studied a degree at a UK institution
– those who have been out of formal education (including secondary education) for more than five years.
In addition to this you must have the following:
– you must be a person who is currently seeking asylum in the UK or hold one of the following statuses as a result of asylum claim: Limited Leave to Remain or Discretionary Leave to Remain or Refugee or Humanitarian Protection
– you must be resident in the UK
– you must be not be eligible to receive student finance
– you have applied to and been offered a place on a Birkbeck course that is permissible under the Compass Sanctuary Scholarship
What is included in this opportunity?
- Fee Waiver (no fees)
- Partial bursary (study costs and partial living costs)
- Study costs (books, travel, etc.)
- Application support and advice
Types of study available
- Face-to-face
- Online
- Part-time / flexible
- Full-time
Additional details about application process
Applications for courses starting October 2025 will be open 23 April to 20 May 2025.
Compass scholarship information events will be held on Birkbeck campus and virtually in March 2025. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/events?tag=262
Is this opportunity available for individuals outside of the UK?
No
On-going opportunity
Yes
Birkbeck, University of London
Published
06/03/2025
Contact Information
Email:
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For further questions contact the scholarship provider
Email Us thecompassproject@bbk.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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