The Bonnart Trust, in partnership with Birkbeck University of London, is pleased to announce the Bonnart Trust Sanctuary Scholarship for the academic cycle 2026. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support forced migrants in the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a part-time postgraduate Master’s degree in fields aligned with social justice, diversity, and the study of cultural, racial, and religious intolerance.
Birkbeck University of London was founded in 1823 by Dr George Birkbeck to provide evening education for working people who could not study during the day. Originally known as the London Mechanics’ Institute, it became part of the University of London in 1920. Over time, Birkbeck developed a strong reputation for flexible learning, allowing students to combine work and study. Today, it is recognised for its focus on evening higher education and research excellence in arts, humanities, social sciences, and science.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Bonnart Trust Sanctuary Scholarship |
| Level of Study | Postgraduate Master’s |
| Study Mode | Part-time |
| Tuition Fee Status | Home |
| Scholarship Value | Full fee waiver + £18,000 annual bursary |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| University | Birkbeck, University of London |
| Location | London, UK |
| Programme Deadline | 31 May 2026 |
| Scholarship Deadline | 15 June 2026 |
Background
The Bonnart Trust was established with the mission to fund postgraduate research focused on understanding and combating racial, religious, and cultural intolerance. Through this scholarship, the Trust aims to support individuals who have experienced forced migration and are committed to driving social change.
The programme is hosted at Birkbeck, University of London, known for its flexible learning environment and strong focus on social sciences and humanities. Scholars also become part of a wider Bonnart network, gaining access to mentoring, academic support, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a forced migrant with one of the following statuses:
- Refugee or Humanitarian Protection
- Ukraine or Afghanistan sponsorship visa
- Qualify for Home fee status
- Have a household income below £42,875 per year
- Be a new applicant not already enrolled in the programme
- Hold an offer for an eligible master’s course by the deadline
- Apply to a Bloomsbury-based programme at Birkbeck, University of London including online programmes
Benefits
The scholarship offers comprehensive financial and academic support:
- Full tuition fee coverage Home fees
- £18,000 annual bursary for living expenses for 2 years
- Access to a dedicated academic mentor
- Support from trained student advisory teams
- Opportunities for networking, mentoring, and professional development
Note: Funding for the second year is subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for an eligible master’s course at Birkbeck, University of London
- Receive an offer of admission before the deadline
- Complete the online scholarship application form
- Submit a CV maximum 2 pages
- Email your application to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences finance team
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026.
Conclusion
The Bonnart Trust Sanctuary Scholarship is more than just financial aid it is a platform for individuals with lived experiences of migration to lead meaningful change. By supporting education in areas like social justice and global development, the scholarship equips students to influence policy, research, and community development on a global scale.