University of Portsmouth Sanctuary Scholarship

The University of Portsmouth is excited to announce the availability of the Sanctuary Scholarship for undergraduate study commencing in September 2026. This scholarship is designed to support students seeking asylum, or those with temporary immigration status in the United Kingdom, who are unable to access UK government student financial support.

Table of Briefs

Background

The Sanctuary Scholarship is an initiative by the University of Portsmouth that reflects its commitment to widening access to higher education for students facing forced displacement and immigration uncertainty. Recognising that asylum seekers and those with temporary immigration status are often excluded from UK government student funding, the University established this scholarship to remove financial barriers and provide meaningful academic and personal support.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Sanctuary Scholarship, applicants must be living in the UK and meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Have submitted an application to the UK Home Office for asylum or humanitarian protection

• Have been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain, or another form of temporary status following an asylum application, and are not eligible for Student Finance England

• Be the spouse/civil partner or dependant of someone who has applied for asylum or humanitarian protection

• Be the spouse/civil partner or dependant of someone granted temporary status after an asylum application and not eligible for Student Finance England

Important family criteria:

• Spouses/civil partners must have been married or in a civil partnership at the time of the asylum application

• Dependants must have been under 18 years old at the time the asylum application was made

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also:

• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a September 2026 undergraduate course at the University of Portsmouth excluding NHS-funded and ICP courses

• Be attending a school, college, community, or voluntary group able to provide a reference

• Live within commuting distance of the University and not require accommodation or living cost support

• Be unable to access UK Government student funding due to immigration status

• Provide evidence that the UK Home Office is considering the asylum application

• Be willing to act as a champion for the University, encouraging others to progress to higher education

Benefits

• The scholarship is reviewed annually

• If you or your parent/spouse/civil partner are later granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

  • The scholarship will end at the start of the next academic year

  • You will then be classified as a home (UK) student and become eligible for UK Government student finance

Application Process

Step 1: Secure a Course Offer

You must first hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study an undergraduate degree starting in September 2026.

Step 2: Request the Application Form

Once you have an offer, email sanctuary@port.ac.uk and request a Sanctuary Scholarship application form.

You can also ask to be added to the mailing list so the form is sent to you automatically in January 2026.

Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application

You’ll need to submit a brief written application explaining:

• Why studying at the University of Portsmouth matters to you

• How the scholarship will help prepare you for your future

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Along with your completed form, include:

• A copy of your University of Portsmouth offer letter

• Referee details from a school, college, community, or voluntary organisation

• Evidence of your current immigration status

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026.

Conclusion

The Sanctuary Scholarship is more than financial support it’s a pathway to stability, empowerment, and long-term career growth. If you meet the criteria and are committed to your education, this opportunity can transform your future. Prepare carefully, tell your story with confidence, and take this important step toward higher education in the UK.

Apply Now