University of Chester’s Sanctuary Award
About this opportunity
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Chester aims to make higher education a reality for students who are seeking sanctuary in the UK
Our Sanctuary Award offers a full tuition fee waiver to a student who is:
An asylum seeker – a person who has made a claim with the UK for refugee status
A person who has been granted some form of temporary status – such as limited leave to remain
Dependants or partners of any of the above status groups, whose claim is dependent on a principal applicant
Please note: Spouses/civil partners must have been the spouse/civil partner on the date on which the asylum application was made. Children/step-children must have been aged under 18 on the date on which the asylum application was made.
Level of Study
- Undergraduate
- Master’s - Taught
Eligibility
Asylum seeker, Refugee, Humanitarian protection, Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain
Additional notes about eligibility criteria
Applicants to the Sanctuary Award will need to:
Have been offered a place (conditional or unconditional) on an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Chester (with the exception of NHS-funded programmes which are not eligible for this award) before applying for the Sanctuary Award.
Be unable to access UK Government Student Finance (tuition fee loans or maintenance loans/grants) by virtue of their immigration status
Be able to provide evidence that their asylum application is under consideration by the Home Office
Priority will be given to applicants who already live within easy commuting distance of the University of Chester. Apply for a travel bursary to attend an Applicant Day at the University of Chester
The Sanctuary Award is payable in each academic year of the course. This is unless, as a result of an asylum application, you (or your parents or spouse/civil partner) are granted indefinite leave to enter/remain in the UK. If this happens, you must inform the University and the award will cease from the start of the next academic year, when you would be expected to apply for student finance instead.
What is included in this opportunity?
- Fee Waiver (no fees)
- Study costs (books, travel, etc.)
- Application support and advice
- English language provision
Additional notes about support provided
In addition to the full fee waiver, Sanctuary Scholars will also receive the following support:
Up to £2,500 per year in-kind financial support package to help with essential study costs such as laptop/printer, stationery, textbooks, specialist clothes/equipment etc.
A link member of staff to talk to if there are any personal, financial or academic issues you have concerns about. Your entitlement will be the same as for any other student and will include support to enable you to identify and overcome barriers to achievement on your programme of study.
Types of study available
- Face-to-face
- Part-time / flexible
- Full-time
Additional details about application process
Sanctuary Award 2025-26 Applications
Applications for 2025-26 are now open. Application forms for 2025-26 can be accessed from website from January 2025. Deadline for applications is Friday 23 May 2025.
What else do I need to know?
This is a competitive process and not all applications will be successful.
Following initial assessment, the University will contact you to let you know whether or not your application will progress to the next stage of the selection process.
If your application is taken forward, you will be invited to an interview to discuss the information you have provided in your application.
If you are shortlisted following interview, you will be asked to submit evidence of your immigration status to our Compliance team. These checks form part of the formal admissions and selection process to ensure that the University of Chester are registering students who hold valid documentation with the Home Office and have the right to study in the UK.
If you are successful in being offered a University of Chester’s Sanctuary Award you will be informed within two weeks of your interview.
Applicants that knowingly submit information that is found to be misleading or fraudulent will have their applications withdrawn.
Number of places available
2
Is this opportunity available for individuals outside of the UK?
No
On-going opportunity
Yes
For further questions contact Sandra Hughes
Call Us 01244 511550
Email Us studentexperience@chester.ac.uk
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