For many people forced to leave their homes because of war, conflict, or persecution, education becomes a distant dream. Survival comes first, and university feels impossible. The Sanctuary Scholarships offered by the University of Bristol and other UK universities exist to change that reality.
These scholarships are not just about money. They are about dignity, belonging, and the belief that displaced people deserve the chance to rebuild their lives through education. For refugees and displaced applicants who have the talent and desire to study but lack legal or financial support, Sanctuary Scholarships offer a real second chance.
In this guide, I will explain what Sanctuary Scholarships are, who they are for, what they cover, how to apply, and why they are one of the most meaningful scholarship opportunities in the UK.
What Are Sanctuary Scholarships?
Sanctuary Scholarships are special funding schemes created by UK universities to support refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals who are unable to access traditional student finance.
The University of Bristol is one of the leading institutions offering this scholarship, but many other UK universities also run similar Sanctuary programs as part of the Universities of Sanctuary movement.
These scholarships aim to remove the main barriers displaced students face, including:
- High tuition fees
- Lack of access to government student loans
- Living costs
- Immigration-related financial restrictions
The goal is simple but powerful: to make higher education possible for those who would otherwise be excluded.
Levels of Study Covered
Sanctuary Scholarships typically cover:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Master’s degrees
They do not usually cover PhD programs, although policies vary by university.
Applicants must apply for a full-time degree program at the participating university.
What Does the Sanctuary Scholarship Cover?
Sanctuary Scholarships are designed to reduce financial stress as much as possible. While exact benefits vary by university, most Sanctuary Scholarships include the following core support.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Successful applicants receive a 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of their course.
This is extremely important because many displaced students are classified as international students and charged higher fees. The tuition waiver removes that burden completely.
Living Cost Stipend
Most Sanctuary Scholarships include a living cost stipend, paid either monthly or yearly. This helps cover:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Basic daily needs
While the stipend may not support luxury living, it provides stability and allows students to focus on their studies instead of constant financial survival.
Additional Support (Varies by University)
Some universities also offer:
- Accommodation support
- Laptop or study grants
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Academic mentoring
- English language support
This holistic approach recognizes that displaced students often face emotional and social challenges beyond finances.
How Much Financial Support Is Involved?
The exact value of a Sanctuary Scholarship depends on the university, but a typical package includes:
- Tuition fees: Fully covered (often £15,000–£30,000+ per year)
- Living stipend: Usually aligned with basic UK living costs
- Additional support: Study and welfare assistance
Over the length of a degree, the total value of the scholarship can reach tens of thousands of pounds, making it life-changing for recipients.
Who Is Eligible for Sanctuary Scholarships?
Eligibility is based more on status and need than academic perfection, although students must still meet university entry requirements.
Refugee or Displaced Status
Applicants are usually required to be:
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
- Individuals with humanitarian protection
- People with temporary or limited immigration status due to displacement
Each university defines eligibility slightly differently, so it is important to check specific criteria.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the chosen course
- Show the ability to complete the degree successfully
Universities understand that displacement can interrupt education, so applications are often reviewed with compassion and flexibility.
Financial Need
Sanctuary Scholarships are for students who:
- Cannot access UK student loans
- Cannot afford tuition or living costs
- Lack other forms of financial support
Applicants are often required to explain their financial situation honestly.
How to Apply for Sanctuary Scholarships
The application process usually has two main parts, and both are important.
Step 1: Apply for Admission to the University
You must first apply for:
- An undergraduate or master’s program
- At a university that offers a Sanctuary Scholarship
This involves submitting:
- Academic qualifications
- Personal statement
- References
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Step 2: Apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship
Once you have applied for admission or received an offer, you submit a separate scholarship application. This often includes:
- A personal statement explaining your background
- Evidence of your immigration or displacement status
- Details of your financial situation
- Explanation of why the scholarship matters to you
This part is deeply personal. Universities want to understand your story, your resilience, and your goals.
When Are the Deadlines?
Sanctuary Scholarship deadlines vary by university, but most fall in early 2026 for the upcoming academic year.
Important things to remember:
- Admission deadlines may be earlier
- Scholarship deadlines are strict
- Late applications are rarely accepted
Early preparation is essential.
Why Sanctuary Scholarships Are So Important
Sanctuary Scholarships are different from most other scholarships, and that difference matters.
They Restore Access to Education
For displaced people, education is often interrupted or completely cut off. These scholarships reopen that door and allow students to continue building their future.
They Recognize Human Potential, Not Just Papers
Many applicants have strong abilities but lack documents or perfect academic records due to conflict or forced movement. Sanctuary programs take context into account and look at the whole person.
They Offer Belonging, Not Just Funding
Being welcomed into a university community as a Sanctuary Scholar creates a sense of safety and belonging. This emotional support is just as important as financial help.
They Create Long-Term Impact
Graduates of Sanctuary Scholarship programs often go on to:
- Support their communities
- Work in humanitarian and social sectors
- Contribute to research, healthcare, education, and policy
The impact goes far beyond one student.
Universities Offering Sanctuary Scholarships
While the University of Bristol is well known for its Sanctuary Scholarship, other UK universities also participate, including:
- Universities of Sanctuary members
- Institutions committed to widening participation
- Universities with strong equality and inclusion policies
Each university has its own structure, number of awards, and eligibility rules.
Final Thoughts
The Sanctuary Scholarships at the University of Bristol and other UK universities are not charity. They are an investment in resilience, talent, and human dignity. They recognize that displacement does not erase intelligence, ambition, or potential.
For those who have faced loss, uncertainty, and forced movement, these scholarships offer something powerful: stability, education, and hope for a better future.
If you or someone you know qualifies, this opportunity is worth every effort. Education has the power to rebuild lives, and Sanctuary Scholarships exist to make that possible.
