LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship
full · phd
- ~£19,237 / year (€22,000 est.)Annual living bursary
- 100% tuition coveredFees
- 3 years full-timePhD duration
- All subjectsDisciplines
- 2 campuses (Loughborough & London)Study location
- Aligned with UKRI ratesStipend benchmark
At a glance
full
Funding
€22k
Max amount
Jun 23, 2027
Deadline
All nationalities (applicants must hold an eligible UK sanctuary or immigration status)
Country
Loughborough University
Provider
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship supports high-achieving students who are at risk or seeking sanctuary in the United Kingdom. It is a full award available at both the Loughborough and London campuses and is open across all disciplines at PhD level for the 2026/2027 cycle. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire PhD and provides a full annual bursary of about 19,237 GBP (around 22,000 EUR (est.)) for living costs, aligned with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recommendations and subject to annual increases. Standard full-time PhD study lasts 3 years, and part-time study is available for applicants who reside in the UK or have caregiving responsibilities. Eligibility is not restricted by nationality but applicants must hold a recognised immigration status such as asylum seeker, refugee, or humanitarian protection, and must already hold a conditional or unconditional Loughborough PhD offer. Applications go through an open competition. Because the bursary value, the number of awards, and the closing date are set each cycle, confirm the exact 2026/2027 figures and deadline on the official Loughborough University page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — A full tuition fee waiver covering 100% of fees for the entire duration of the PhD at Loughborough University.
- Annual living bursary — A full bursary of about £19,237 per year (around €22,000 (est.)) for living costs, aligned with UKRI recommendations and subject to annual increases.
- Flexible study modes — Full-time and part-time study options, with part-time available for applicants in the UK or with caregiving responsibilities.
- Research environment — Access to Loughborough's research facilities, supervision, and doctoral training across all disciplines at the Loughborough and London campuses.
- Sanctuary support — A scholarship designed specifically for at-risk scholars, prioritising those fleeing war, persecution, or conflict.
How to apply
There is a two-step process: first secure a PhD offer from Loughborough University, then complete the separate scholarship application form before the deadline.
- Apply for a PhD programme — Submit an application for a PhD programme at Loughborough University (Loughborough or London campus) and obtain a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Confirm your eligible status — Check that you fall into one of the eligible immigration categories for sanctuary, such as asylum seeker, refugee, or humanitarian protection holder.
- Complete the scholarship form — Fill in the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship application form via the official Loughborough University website, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit your scholarship application before the closing date around 23 June 2026 (est.); you will receive a confirmation email on successful submission.
- Await the competition outcome — Applications go through an open competition; shortlisted candidates are contacted for any further steps.
Eligibility
Immigration statusMust fall into an eligible category such as asylum seeker, refugee, humanitarian protection holder, limited or indefinite leave to remain, or a recognised special scheme (Ukraine, Afghan, BNO, Calais, Section 67, UASC, or stateless leave).
PhD offerMust hold a conditional or unconditional PhD offer from Loughborough University (Loughborough or London campus); only candidates with an offer can apply.
Academic excellenceDemonstrated outstanding academic achievement at the relevant level.
Part-time eligibilityPart-time study is only available to applicants residing in the UK or with caregiving responsibilities; full-time employment disqualifies applicants from this route.
Applicants may apply from outside the UK if they meet one of the eligible immigration categories. The scholarship prioritises at-risk scholars fleeing war, persecution, or conflict.
Eligible countries
All nationalities (applicants must hold an eligible UK sanctuary or immigration status)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD cycle~23 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
Scholarship applications undergo an open competition assessed by Loughborough University. Candidates must already hold a PhD offer and meet one of the eligible sanctuary immigration categories. Shortlisted applicants are contacted for further steps, and awards are made to the strongest at-risk scholars on the basis of academic achievement and fit with the scheme's humanitarian aims.
Verified sources
- Loughborough University - Postgraduate Research Scholarshipslboro.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
Loughborough University is a public research university in the East Midlands of England, with a second campus in London. It is known for its research and teaching across engineering, science, social science, the arts, and sport, and runs the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship to support students seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Loughborough Sanctuary PhD Scholarship?
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Students seeking sanctuary in the UK, regardless of nationality, who hold an eligible immigration status and a PhD offer from Loughborough University.
What does the scholarship cover?
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It covers 100% of tuition fees plus a full annual living bursary of about £19,237 (around €22,000 (est.)), aligned with UKRI recommendations.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
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Yes, it is a full award covering both tuition fees and a living-cost bursary for the entire duration of the PhD.
Which subjects are eligible?
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All subjects are eligible; the scholarship is open across every discipline at PhD level.
Which campuses can I study at?
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The scholarship is available at both the Loughborough and London campuses of Loughborough University.
What immigration statuses qualify?
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Eligible categories include asylum seeker, refugee, humanitarian protection, limited or indefinite leave to remain, and recognised special schemes such as Ukraine, Afghan, BNO, Calais, Section 67, UASC, or stateless leave.
Do I need a PhD offer before applying?
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Yes; only candidates who already hold a conditional or unconditional PhD offer letter from Loughborough University can apply for the scholarship.
Can I study part-time?
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Part-time study is available only to applicants residing in the UK or with caregiving responsibilities, and full-time employment disqualifies applicants from the part-time route.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
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Yes, you may apply from outside the UK if you meet one of the eligible immigration categories for sanctuary.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline falls around 23 June 2026 (est.) for applicants starting in October 2026 or January 2027; confirm the exact date officially.
How are scholars selected?
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Applications go through an open competition, and shortlisted candidates are contacted for any further steps.
Where can I verify the latest details?
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On the official Loughborough University postgraduate research scholarships pages linked in the sources section.