If you have sought asylum or faced forced migration to the UK, funding your university education can be difficult. To help, the University of Sheffield is offering Sanctuary Scholarships for students starting their degrees in September 2026.
This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, and how to submit your application before the deadline.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
For the 2026 entry, the University of Sheffield is offering five fully-funded scholarships. If you win this award, it will cover:
- Full Tuition Fees: You do not have to pay for your course classes.
- Living Costs Allowance: You will receive £10,300 each year of your studies to help pay for rent, food, and books.
| Feature | Details |
| Sponsor | University of Sheffield, UK |
| Number of Awards | 5 fully-funded scholarships |
| Course Levels | Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught (Master’s) |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Benefit | Free tuition + £10,300 per year for living expenses |
| Application Deadline | 1:00 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Immigration Status: You must be an asylum seeker in the UK with an active claim, or have been granted humanitarian protection or limited leave to remain. You can also apply if you are a dependent or partner of someone with this status.
- Asylum Timeline: You must have applied for asylum immediately upon arriving in the UK, and before you applied for your university place.
- University Offer: You must already hold an official offer from the University of Sheffield to study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught course starting in September 2026.
- Reference: You must currently attend a school, college, or community/voluntary group that can write a formal letter supporting your application.
- No Higher Qualifications: You must not already hold a degree that is equal to or higher than the one you are applying for.
- No Other Funding: You must be self-funded. You cannot get this award if you are eligible for UK government student finance (like Student Finance England) or other university bursaries.
Who Cannot Apply?
You are not eligible if you are doing a PhD (research degree), if you are entering the university through the “clearing” process, or if you are transferring from another UK university. You also cannot apply if your immigration status prohibits higher education study.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The selection process is highly competitive. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application:
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
You will need to answer personal questions and explain your academic goals. The selection panel will look closely at:
- Your reasons for choosing your specific course at the University of Sheffield.
- Your future career ambitions and how your degree helps you reach them.
- The personal challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. Note: You do not need to share painful details about why you fled your home country.
Step 2: Get a Referee Statement
Your current school, college, or community support group must write a letter supporting you. The letter must be under 750 words and answer how well-suited you are for the course, your financial barriers, and how you contribute to your community.
Step 3: Gather Your Home Office Documents
You must provide copies of all official letters and documents you received from the Home Office regarding your asylum claim.
Step 4: Sign the Permission Form
Download and complete the Client care, data confidentiality, responsibility and service agreement form 2026. This form gives the university permission to check your immigration history with UK Visas and Immigration.
Step 5: Submit Everything Before the Deadline
Send your application and all required documents before 1:00 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026. The university will not review late or incomplete applications.
Important Rules to Keep in Mind
- No Deferrals: You must start your course in 2026. You cannot delay your scholarship to the next year.
- Payment Timing: Money for living costs will only be paid after you arrive in Sheffield and complete your full university registration.
- Status Changes: If your immigration status changes during the application or during your studies, you must inform the university immediately. If you become eligible for home fees or UK government student loans, the scholarship will stop at the end of that academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for the scholarship if I have not applied for a university course yet?
No. You must already have an official admission offer from the University of Sheffield before you can apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship. If you need help choosing a course or understanding how to apply, you can visit the official “Study at Sheffield” webpage for advice.
2. What should I do if I cannot find proof of my past school qualifications?
If you are missing the documents or evidence of your previous exam results and qualifications, please contact the university admissions team directly to discuss your options.
3. My asylum application was rejected, but I am currently appealing. Am I still eligible?
No. If your application has been rejected, you cannot apply. Even if your appeal eventually changes your status to “leave to remain,” you will no longer meet the specific immigration criteria required for this particular scholarship.
4. My English test (IELTS) score is too low for the course. Can I still get the scholarship?
No. You can only get the scholarship if you are accepted onto a course at the university. If your IELTS score is below the minimum entry requirement for your chosen program, the university cannot offer you a place, which means you will not qualify for the funding.
5. What are my chances of winning this scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive because the university only offers five awards each year, and they receive a very large number of applications. To give yourself the best chance, make sure to fill out every part of your application to the absolute highest standard.
6. Can I transfer from another UK university and apply for this award?
No. This scholarship is only available to students who are starting a completely new course at the University of Sheffield. Transfer students from other UK institutions are not eligible.
7. Can I apply if I get a place at the university through the Clearing process?
No. The university cannot consider any applicants who secure their place at Sheffield through the late-summer Clearing system.
8. I am planning to study for a PhD. Am I eligible to apply?
No. The Sanctuary Scholarship does not cover PhDs or any other research degrees. It is strictly for students taking undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or postgraduate taught (Master’s) courses.
