Sanctuary Scholarship at University of Portsmouth 2026

The Sanctuary Scholarship supports an asylum seeker planning to study for an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree, by covering all tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria for the Sanctuary Scholarship:

To be considered for the Sanctuary Scholarship, a student must be living in the UK, and at least one of the following must apply:

• Applicants must have submitted an application to the UK Home Office for asylum or humanitarian protection.
• Applicants have been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain or some other form of temporary status as a result of an asylum application and are not eligible for funding from Student Finance England.
• Applicants must be the spouse, civil partner, or dependant of someone applying for asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK.
• Applicants must be the spouse, civil partner, or dependant of someone granted temporary leave (e.g., Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain) after an asylum application, and not eligible for Student Finance England.
• Applicants must also have a conditional or unconditional offer from the University of Portsmouth for entry in September 2025 onto an undergraduate degree course.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a school, college, or community group that can provide a supporting reference.
• Applicants should not need support for accommodation and living expenses, and live within a suitable distance to easily commute to the University.

Application Process:

• To apply for the scholarship, the applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study an undergraduate degree starting in September 2026.
• The applicants must send a complete application form, which includes:
  • a copy of your University of Portsmouth offer letter,
  • the name and contact details of a referee from someone at your school, college, community, or voluntary group,
  • evidence of the applicant's current immigration status.
• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026.

Value of the Sanctuary Scholarship:

• Full tuition fees for each year of an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree (including a sandwich year).
• Financial support towards study costs – for example, books, IT equipment, travel costs, or other costs.

Note:  The next round of applications will open in January 2026 for September 2026 entry.