Study in the UK with a Fully Funded Scholarship
The University of Leeds Sanctuary Scholarship 2025/26 is a fully funded opportunity designed for individuals who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries. This scholarship allows eligible students to pursue undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or postgraduate (Master’s – taught) degrees at the University of Leeds without the financial burden of tuition fees. If you are a forced migrant facing financial barriers to higher education, this scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity.
Summary of the Sanctuary Scholarship 2025/26
- Host Institution: University of Leeds, United Kingdom
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s (Taught)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: Monday, 7th April 2025 (12:00 PM UK time)
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Language Requirements: TOEFL or Duolingo (if applicable)
- Eligible Nationalities: Forced migrants with qualifying residency statuses
Scholarship Benefits
The Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Leeds provides comprehensive financial support, covering:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the course
- £10,000 per year to cover study-related expenses
- Optional pre-sessional English language courses (6 or 10 weeks in Summer 2025) for students who need to meet language proficiency requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Sanctuary Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a forced migrant to the UK, displaced due to political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights issues
- Be unable to access mainstream student funding (e.g., Student Finance England or local authority grants)
- Have applied for a course at the University of Leeds for the 2025/26 academic year
- Not already hold a UK degree at the same or higher level than the course they are applying for
- Be eligible for UK tuition fees (international fee status applicants must undergo a fee assessment)
Eligible Residency Statuses
Applicants must hold one of the following immigration statuses:
- Asylum Seeker (awaiting a decision)
- Refused Asylum Seeker (with a fresh claim in process)
- Limited Leave to Remain (LLR) or Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Individuals with the following statuses may qualify only if they hold a non-UK degree at the same level as the course they are applying for:
- Refugee status (or dependent of a refugee)
- Humanitarian Protection status (or dependent of a protection holder)
- Section 67 Leave (or dependent child of someone with this status)
- Calais Leave
- Stateless Person Leave (or spouse/child of a stateless person)
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) / Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
- Ukraine Family Scheme / Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme / Ukraine Extension Scheme
Important: Immigration status must allow study for the entire course duration. If status changes and study is no longer permitted, the scholarship may be withdrawn.
How to Apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2025/26
- Apply for admission to a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at the University of Leeds.
- Complete the Sanctuary Scholarship application before Monday, 7th April 2025 (12:00 PM UK time).
- To apply for a place on your chosen course, search for your programme and follow the instructions on the relevant page.
- Apply for the scholarship
- Submit all required documents, including proof of immigration status and financial need.
Important Notes:
- Submitting a scholarship application does not count as a university application. You must apply for admission separately.
- If your course application is unsuccessful, your scholarship application will also be withdrawn.
- For inquiries or to submit additional documents, contact the Sanctuary Scholarships team at sanctuaryscholarships@leeds.ac.uk.
Apply Now
Official Website: University of Leeds Sanctuary Scholarship
This is an excellent opportunity for forced migrants looking to access higher education in the UK. Secure your future with a fully funded scholarship at the University of Leeds!
