- Full tuition fees covered for an undergraduate degree.Funding
- Additional financial support for study-related costs (e.g., books, IT, travel).Additional Benefits
- Ongoing personal support to aid academic achievement.Support
- For asylum seekers, those with humanitarian protection, or temporary immigration status in the UK.Target Group
At a glance
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Country
University of Portsmouth
Provider
The University of Portsmouth's Sanctuary Scholarship is designed to support international students who are seeking asylum or have a temporary immigration status in the UK, making them ineligible for standard UK student finance. This scholarship aims to cover the full tuition fees for an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree, including any sandwich year, allowing recipients to focus on their studies without the burden of tuition costs. Beyond financial support, the scholarship also provides ongoing personal and financial assistance to help students overcome potential barriers to their academic success. Typically, one Sanctuary Scholarship is awarded each year. Applications for the September 2026 intake will open in January 2026. This scholarship is a significant opportunity for individuals with specific immigration statuses to pursue higher education in the UK.
What's covered
- Full Tuition Fees — Covers all undergraduate tuition fees for each year of your Bachelor's degree, including any sandwich year.
- Financial Support for Study Costs — Assistance with expenses such as books, IT equipment, travel, and other costs essential for effective study.
- Personal Support — Ongoing personal support to help identify and overcome any barriers you might face during your course.
How to apply
The application process for the Sanctuary Scholarship involves first securing an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, then requesting and submitting the scholarship application form.
- Apply for an Undergraduate Course — You must first apply for and receive a conditional or unconditional offer to study an undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth for September 2026 entry. Details on how to apply for courses can be found on individual course pages.
- Request Scholarship Application Form — Once you hold an offer to study, email [email protected] to request a Sanctuary Scholarship application form. You can also email this address beforehand to be added to a mailing list for updates.
- Complete and Submit Application — Complete the application form, demonstrating how studying at the University of Portsmouth and receiving this scholarship will benefit your future. Submit the completed form by the deadline along with required documents.
Eligibility
ResidencyMust be living in the UK.
Immigration StatusMust have applied to the UK Home Office for asylum or humanitarian protection, OR have been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain or another temporary status due to an asylum application and are not eligible for Student Finance England funding. This also applies to spouses/civil partners (from the date of asylum application) or dependants (under 18 on the date of asylum application) of such individuals.
University OfferMust hold a conditional or unconditional offer from the University of Portsmouth for entry in September 2026 onto an undergraduate degree course (excluding NHS funded and ICP courses).
ReferenceMust be attending a school, college, community, or voluntary group that can provide a reference.
Accommodation/Living ExpensesMust NOT require support for accommodation and living expenses, and must live within a suitable commuting distance to the University.
Government Funding IneligibilityMust be unable to access UK Government student financial support due to immigration status.
EvidenceMust provide evidence that the UK Home Office is considering your (or your spouse/civil partner/parent/carer's) asylum application.
Ambassadorial RoleMust be willing to act as a champion for the University to encourage future students.
If your immigration status changes and you are granted indefinite leave to remain, your scholarship will end at the start of the next academic year, as you will then be eligible for UK Government student finance.
Deadlines
September 20262026-04-30
Selection
The selection process involves reviewing your application form, which should demonstrate how studying at the University of Portsmouth and being awarded this scholarship will prepare you for your future. The university also considers the eligibility criteria and the reference provided.
Verified sources
- Sanctuary Scholarship - University of Portsmouthport.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Portsmouth is a public university in the city of Portsmouth, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines and is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including those seeking sanctuary.
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.
What happens if my immigration status changes?
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If you are granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a result of an asylum application, your scholarship will end at the start of the next academic year. You will then be reclassified as a home (UK) student and become eligible for UK Government financial support, such as a student loan.
Can I receive other scholarships or bursaries?
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You may also be eligible for the University's Sanctuary Language Bursary and other UK student bursaries and scholarships. You should check the university's scholarships and bursaries page for more details or contact them directly.