Sanctuary scholarships
If you’re seeking asylum in the UK and have no access to Student Finance, you might be eligible for a Kingston University Sanctuary Scholarship. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Sanctuary Scholarship?
Here at Kingston University, we have four fee-remitted scholarships available each academic year for Asylum Seeking applicants with no access to Student Finance.
Our Sanctuary Scholarships offer:
- A fully funded place on an undergraduate course
- An annual £5,000 bursary to support with living costs
- A place on our KU Cares scheme, including a designated member of staff to support you throughout your studies
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship if:
- You’re an asylum seeker through forced migration
- You’re ineligible to apply for Student Finance because of your asylum status
- You have an offer to study an undergraduate course at Kingston University in the next academic year
How to apply
Applications for September 2025 are now open.
Please ensure you read the guidance notes in full before submitting an application.
Application deadline: 4 April 2025
Becoming a University of Sanctuary
Kingston University is working towards becoming a University of Sanctuary.
University of Sanctuary status recognises and celebrates universities that:
- Make everyone feel safe, welcome and able to pursue their right to education
- Foster a culture of awareness and inclusivity
- Are committed to developing initiatives that align with three core principles: learn, embed and share
- Welcome people seeking sanctuary into their communities
- Facilitate access to higher education
- Support local refugee communities
- Actively learn about the issues asylum seekers face when applying for higher education
Want to find out more?
If you're interested in what we need to do to become recognised as a University of Sanctuary, take a look at this resource park.
Other scholarship options
To learn more about scholarship pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, check out STAR’s Equal Access Campaign. You can use the search function on their website to see what other scholarships are available.