Northumbria University is delighted to announce the Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship for September 2026, designed to support individuals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom who wish to pursue postgraduate education. The scholarship provides a 100% tuition fee waiver for eligible one-year Master’s programmes along with a £9,000 financial contribution to assist with living expenses during the course of study.
Northumbria University is a modern university located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Its origins date back to 1969, when it was established as Newcastle Polytechnic to provide practical and professional education. In 1992, following changes in UK higher education under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, the institution gained full university status and became Northumbria University. Since then, it has grown into a well-known university offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and welcoming students from around the world.
Table of Briefs
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship |
| University | Northumbria University |
| Study Level | Postgraduate Full-Time Master’s |
| Intake | September 2026 |
| Scholarship Value | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver + £9,000 Cash Award |
| Duration | Up to 1 year |
| Application Deadline | 24 April 2026 |
| Location Requirement | Must be living in North East England |
| Selection Method | Written application + Interview |
Background
The Sanctuary Scholarship at Northumbria University was created to support individuals who are currently seeking asylum in the UK and face difficulties accessing higher education funding. Many asylum seekers cannot access standard UK student finance, which makes postgraduate study financially difficult.
Through this initiative, the university aims to remove financial barriers and encourage academic progression for talented students who wish to pursue postgraduate education. The scholarship not only covers full tuition fees but also provides financial assistance for living costs, ensuring students can focus on their studies and personal development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
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Must currently be seeking asylum in the UK, or be a dependent, spouse, or civil partner of someone seeking asylum.
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Must provide evidence of immigration status.
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Must have received a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time one-year Master’s course starting September 2026 at Northumbria University.
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Must meet all course conditions, including English language requirements.
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Must be living in the North East of England at the time of application Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland, Cleveland, or North Cumbria.
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Must be unable to access UK student finance due to immigration status.
Additional requirements for dependents:
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Spouse or civil partner must have been in that relationship at the time the asylum application was submitted.
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Dependent children must have been 18 or under at the time of the asylum application.
Note: Applicants living outside the UK are not eligible to apply.
Benefits
The scholarship offers significant financial support for postgraduate study:
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100% tuition fee waiver for eligible one-year full-time master’s courses.
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£9,000 financial award to help with living costs.
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Funding applies to courses studied at:
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Newcastle City Campus
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Coach Lane Campus
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Payment Schedule
The £9,000 support will be paid in instalments:
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25% in November 2026
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25% in February 2027
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50% in May 2027
Payments are made through the BACs bank transfer system, so students must provide valid bank details.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
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Apply for a Master’s course at Northumbria University for September 2026.
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Receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
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Review the Sanctuary Scholarship Guidance Notes carefully.
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Complete the online scholarship application form.
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Submit supporting documents related to immigration status.
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Wait for shortlisting results.
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If shortlisted, attend an interview at Newcastle City Campus.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 24 April 2026.
Conclusion
The Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship at Northumbria University is a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking asylum in the UK to pursue higher education without financial barriers. With full tuition coverage and a £9,000 support package, the scholarship helps students focus on academic success and build a brighter future.