Student finance for refugees - what you need to know

With refugee status, you can usually apply for student finance in the UK. This means you may be eligible for:

• Tuition fee loans: Covering the cost of your course fees, paid directly to your university.

• Maintenance loans: For help with living costs such as accommodation, food, and transport.

• Grants and bursaries: Additional, non-repayable funding that may be available from your university or other organisations.

Eligibility rules depend on your status and where you live and study in the UK. Many students need to meet residency rules, but people with refugee status or humanitarian protection may be treated differently, so check the latest student finance guidance for your nation.

The process of applying for student finance as a refugee is similar to that of UK nationals, with a few key differences:

Step 1 - Provide evidence of your status: This may include Home Office documentation, a letter confirming your status, or evidence from your eVisa/UKVI account.

Step 2 - Submit your application early: Applications for student finance open in the spring before the academic year begins. It’s best to apply as early as possible to ensure funding is in place when you start university.

Step 3 - Use the correct application form: You can apply online through Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland, or Student Finance Northern Ireland depending on where you live and where you plan to study. Be sure to indicate your refugee status to access the appropriate funding.

Step 4 - Provide financial information: You may be required to submit details about your household income to determine your eligibility for a Maintenance Loan. If you’re estranged from your family, you can apply as an independent student and won’t need to provide parental income details.

Many universities offer scholarships and bursaries for refugee and asylum-seeking students. Organisations like Student Action for Refugees (STAR) publishes a list of over 80 current scholarships, bursaries, and fee waiver schemes for UK universities. The website has a range of filters and search functions to help you find a scholarship that works for your needs.

Universities of Sanctuary is a growing initiative designed to celebrate higher education institutions that welcome people seeking sanctuary, by providing access to higher education and supporting local refugee communities. Its website publishes a list of partner institutions that have been recognised as ‘Universities of Sanctuary’ due to their commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and support for refugee students.

If you are trying to find a scholarship that is relevant to your refugee status then these are good places to start looking.

There are plenty of charities and organisations in the UK that provide funding or practical support for refugee students. Some of them provide direct support, and many of them work with partner universities and sponsorship organisations to help facilitate your higher education. Some of these include:

• Student Action for Refugees (STAR)

• RefuAid

• UNHCR UK

• The Access to Justice Foundation

• The Helena Kennedy Foundation

• UK Welcomes Refugees

• Refugee Education UK (REUK)

• The Schwab & Westheimer Trusts

Some support is offered by charities, while other scholarships and bursaries are administered by individual universities. You may be able to apply for more than one source of support, but always check the rules, as eligibility and whether awards can be combined will vary. Help available includes scholarships, bursaries, small grants for essential expenses (like travel or books), and advice on accommodation and other services.

Mentorship and tailored guidance are also available, so take advantage of the free help on offer to boost your chances of meeting the full financial demands of your studies.

Can I get 100% of my costs covered? 

It may be possible, it depends on your circumstances, student finance eligibility and any scholarships or grants you’re able to secure.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

Reach out to student finance to understand and address the issue. You may simply be required to provide additional documents, and the sooner you’re able to establish this, the better. If needed, you can contact refugee-focused organisations for free guidance on how to appeal the decision effectively.

Can I change my course once I start?

Most universities allow course changes within the first two to four weeks of the academic year. If your course doesn’t feel right, contact your university’s academic or student support office to explore options for transferring. It’s not guaranteed, but usually they’ll find a solution. Sometimes you’ll be able to change courses after completing the first year of your original course.

To sum up, if you hold refugee status in the UK, you may be eligible for home fee status and student finance support, including help with tuition fees and living costs. The exact support available will depend on where you live, where you study and which student finance body you apply through. There are also scholarships, bursaries and external funding schemes designed to support refugee students, although you may need to provide extra documentation and check the eligibility criteria carefully.