University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2025
The University of Southampton has announced the opening of applications for its Sanctuary Scholarships for the 2025 academic year. This scholarship program aims to support individuals seeking sanctuary in the UK by providing comprehensive educational assistance to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Southampton will provide successful applicants with:
100% coverage of tuition fees for each year of study (3 years for undergraduate and 1 year for postgraduate taught programs)
A bursary to help with additional study costs throughout the program
A welcome pack for new students
Support with university accommodation (specific requirements can be discussed with the Sanctuary Coordinator, Claire Giles)
Scholarship Availability
The university will support 4 students per year who are seeking sanctuary in the UK:
1 Undergraduate student
3 Postgraduate Taught students
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold an offer from the University of Southampton to study on an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught course starting September 2025.
Immigration Status:
Applicants must either be:
An asylum seeker who has made a claim within the UK for refugee status, or
A person who has been granted some form of temporary status as a result of an asylum claim, such as limited leave to remain.
Additional Criteria:
Priority will be given to applicants from neighboring counties: Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Sussex, and West Surrey.
Applicants must not be eligible for Government funding (Student Finance) due to their immigration status.
Those holding a student visa are not eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibility by Immigration Status
The following immigration statuses are eligible to apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship:
Immigration Status | Eligibility | Required Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Asylum seekers | Yes | ARC Card |
Limited Leave to Remain (LLR), Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR), or Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Child (UASC) | Yes | eVisa share code |
Calais Leave/Stateless leave/Section 67 leave | No | N/A |
Humanitarian Protection | No | N/A |
ARAP/ACRS | No | N/A |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | No | N/A |
Application and Selection Process
The application process involves several stages:
Submit scholarship application with required evidence including admissions letter, application form, immigration evidence, and reference.
The Sanctuary Coordinator processes forms and may request additional information if needed.
Applications close on Sunday, May 25, 2025 for Undergraduate students and Friday, June 6, 2025 for Postgraduate students.
The selection panel reviews completed applications and selects scholarship recipients.
Successful applicants receive conditional scholarship offers, contingent on successful enrollment and completion of Right to Study checks.
Applicants accept or decline the scholarship offer.
In August 2025, students confirm whether they have met program requirements following results day.
Students confirm with the Sanctuary Coordinator and apply for accommodation if needed, then complete Right to Study checks.
The university conducts eligibility checks on September 1, 2025, and confirms accommodation arrangements.
Important Note: Scholars should not relocate to Southampton until they receive confirmation from the Sanctuary Coordinator after September 1, 2025.
Application Deadlines
Undergraduate applications: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Postgraduate applications: Friday, June 6, 2025
This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for asylum seekers and those with temporary status to pursue higher education in the UK. The comprehensive support package aims to remove financial barriers and provide necessary resources for academic success.
Apply for Sanctuary Scholarship
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