University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 – Quick Key Points
- The Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 supports students seeking sanctuary in the UK.
- It is offered by the University of Southampton.
- The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides additional financial support.
- It is available for new Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students.
- Successful applicants will begin their studies in September 2026.
Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Institution | University of Southampton |
| Study Level | Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Award Value | 100% tuition fee coverage + bursary |
| Number of Awards | 4 per year (1 UG, 3 PGT) |
| Mode of Study | Full‑time, in‑person |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
About the University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
The University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 is designed to support students who are seeking sanctuary in the UK and face barriers to accessing higher education due to their immigration status. The scholarship reflects the University’s commitment to widening participation, equality, and social justice by enabling talented individuals to pursue university study regardless of their circumstances.
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Each year, the University supports up to four students through this scheme, providing comprehensive financial and pastoral assistance throughout their studies.
Program Details
The Sanctuary Scholarship is available to new Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students starting their studies in September 2026. The programme fully covers tuition fees for the duration of the course and provides a bursary to help with additional study‑related costs.
Scholars also benefit from a welcome pack, access to tailored support services, and assistance with university accommodation where required. Dedicated guidance is available through the University’s Sanctuary Coordinator.
Scholarship Benefits of the University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
Students awarded the Sanctuary Scholarship will receive the following benefits:
- 100% tuition fee coverage for each year of study (3 years for UG, 1 year for PGT).
- An annual bursary to help cover additional study costs.
- A welcome pack upon enrolment.
- Support with university accommodation, subject to individual needs.
Eligibility Requirements for the University of Southampton Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold an offer to study an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught course at the University of Southampton starting September 2026.
- Be an asylum seeker in the UK or hold temporary status granted as a result of an asylum claim (such as Limited Leave to Remain).
- Not be eligible for UK Government student funding (Student Finance) due to immigration status.
- Not hold a student visa.
- Priority may be given to applicants living in neighbouring counties, including Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Sussex, and West Surrey.
Immigration Status Guidance
Eligibility depends on your current immigration status. The following categories are considered under the Sanctuary Scholarship framework:
- Asylum seekers: Eligible
- Limited Leave to Remain (LLR), Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR), or Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Child (UASC): Eligible
- Calais Leave, Stateless Leave, Section 67 Leave: Not eligible
- Humanitarian Protection: Not eligible
- ARAP/ACRS routes: Not eligible unless ILR is granted
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Not eligible
Applicants may be asked to provide further information if eligibility is unclear due to long residency or funding status.
Conditions of the Scholarship
The Scholarship is subject to the following conditions:
- Funding is provided only to students who are not eligible for Student Finance.
- Tuition fee coverage applies only to the approved course duration.
- Students must maintain enrolment and satisfactory academic progress.
- Immigration status must remain valid for the duration of the course.
How to Apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
Follow the steps below to apply:
- Apply for an eligible Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught course at the University of Southampton.
- Secure an offer of admission for a course starting in September 2026.
- Review the Sanctuary Scholarship eligibility criteria carefully.
- Gather evidence of your immigration status (such as ARC card or eVisa share code).
- Confirm that you are not eligible for Student Finance due to your immigration status.
- Submit the Scholarship application through the University’s designated process.
- Provide any additional documentation if requested by the Sanctuary team.
- Await assessment and shortlisting by the University.
- Successful applicants will be notified directly.
- Enrol and begin your studies with full Sanctuary Scholar support.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
Who is the Sanctuary Scholarship for?
Students seeking sanctuary in the UK who are unable to access Student Finance due to their immigration status.
How many scholarships are available each year?
Four scholarships are awarded annually: one Undergraduate and three Postgraduate Taught.
Does the scholarship cover full tuition fees?
Yes. Tuition fees are fully covered for the approved duration of study.
Is there financial support for living costs?
Yes. Scholars receive an annual bursary to help with additional study expenses.
Can students on a student visa apply?
No. Students holding a student visa are not eligible.
Is accommodation included?
Support with university accommodation is available where needed.
When do studies begin?
Successful applicants will start their studies in September 2026.
Are postgraduate research students eligible?
No. The scholarship is for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught courses only.
Do I need to live near Southampton to apply?
Priority is given to neighbouring counties, but applications from other areas may still be considered.
Who can I contact for further questions?
Applicants can contact the University of Southampton Sanctuary team for personalised guidance.
