Birmingham City University Sanctuary Scholarship
Birmingham City University
Applications for this cycle have closed
This programme usually runs again each year — keep an eye out for the next round, or explore what's live now.
Looking for a fresh start at university? Apply for Birmingham City University's Sanctuary Scholarship — a full tuition waiver plus an annual bursary (£8,877) and wrap-around support for refugee or asylum-seeking undergraduates. Build skills, join campus life and focus on your studies.
Birmingham City University’s Sanctuary Scholarship is a dedicated award for new undergraduate students from a refugee or asylum-seeking background. The university offers two scholarships for students who are starting a full-time undergraduate degree and who cannot access UK government Student Finance because of their immigration status.
The scholarship package is substantial and includes a full tuition fee waiver, a bursary of £8,877 for course and living costs each academic year, and free university halls accommodation. If a recipient does not need halls, they can still receive the tuition fee and cost-of-living support, although no alternative accommodation support is provided.
Applicants must already have a firm unconditional or firm conditional offer to study at Birmingham City University and must not already hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification. Certain course types are excluded, including part-time study, apprenticeships, short courses, distance learning, and courses delivered by BCU partners.
Applications are made through an online form and supporting documents must also be emailed to the university.
31 Jul 2026
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
September 2026 entry / 2026/27 academic year
Location
- You must have been granted and currently have discretionary or limited leave to remain, or some other temporary leave following an asylum application made in the UK.
- OR you must be an asylum seeker (or the dependent of an asylum seeker and included on the asylum application), be able to evidence your current asylum-seeker status, and have an active asylum claim with the UK Home Office.
- You must not be able to access Student Finance from the UK government because of your immigration status in the UK.
- You must have a firm unconditional or firm conditional offer for a full-time undergraduate degree, including Foundation Year entry, at Birmingham City University, commencing in September 2026.
- You must not already have obtained a degree or degree-equivalent qualification.
- Sub-degree courses such as Foundation Degrees and HNC/HND are excluded, although Foundation Year entry courses are eligible.
- Excluded course types include courses delivered by BCU partners, fast-track/accelerated degrees, part-time courses, Professional Practice/CPD courses, short courses, apprenticeships, and distance learning/online courses.
Checked 23 August 2026
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