What university financial support is available for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are not eligible for the standard UK government student finance packages.

Asylum seekers are in the process of applying for permission to stay in the UK. However, in most cases, people who are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim are able to apply for university in the UK, receive an offer, accept it, and attend university.

An individual's immigration status will determine the fees that they are expected to pay and their eligibility for a student loan and, since their claim to residency status is unconfirmed, asylum seekers are not usually eligible for either the ‘home’ rate of tuition fees.

However, if you are in the process of applying for asylum and need funding to pursue higher education, then don’t be discouraged. There are many organisations who can offer guidance and support.

You’ll be pleased to know that there’s help out there. Although the government doesn’t permit access to student finance loans, your asylum seeking status does not prevent you from attending university, so it’s just a question of finding other organisations who are able to offer financial support.

There are numerous organisations who advocate for the rights of refugees and those seeking asylum in the UK. Most are volunteer-run, and many major cities have a point-of-contact for these groups:

• British Red Cross

• Refugee Action

• Refugee Council

• RefuAid

It's also worth looking at Student Action for Refugees (STAR), which is a national network of students, volunteers, and experts with student groups based in colleges and universities around the UK. While STAR does not directly offer funding for asylum seeking students, there is lots of valuable information on its website about who to approach and how to apply.

In general, the two places you can look for help with funding your university studies are:

• University sponsored schemes for asylum seeker students

• Charitable organisations

Let’s take a closer look at these options...

Many UK universities are committed to supporting asylum seekers by offering tailored financial aid. There are several way that this can happen:

Sanctuary Scholarships: Over 80 UK universities offer scholarships for refugee and asylum-seeking students, and these include tuition fee discounts, living cost stipends, and support for accommodation or resources. To maximise your chances, apply to universities with scholarships that suit your needs. Check the regularly updated scholarships list on the STAR website, confirm details with universities, and ensure you meet their eligibility criteria, as some are specific to asylum seekers or those without student finance access. Be mindful of deadlines, and review eligibility thoroughly before applying.

Fee Waivers: Some universities waive tuition fees for asylum seekers who cannot access student finance. This can significantly reduce the cost of higher education, and allows you to focus on finding resources for your living expenses.

Hardship Funds: Most universities have hardship funds available for students facing unexpected financial difficulties. These can be separate to scholarships specifically focused on asylum seekers, but it’s worth checking for eligibility to these too. While these funds may not cover all your living expenses, you may be able to use them in combination with other funding aid schemes, to make up the difference.

There are also charities and specialist organisations that can help asylum seekers and people from refugee backgrounds find support for higher education. Some offer grants or scholarships, while others provide advice, mentoring or help finding suitable funding.

Useful places to start include STAR’s scholarship list, Displaced Student Opportunities UK and Refugee Education UK. The Schwab and Westheimer Trusts also offer educational grants and scholarships for young people from asylum-seeking backgrounds, although eligibility depends on your circumstances and course.

Support might include tuition fee help, bursaries, application advice, mentoring or small grants for things like books, travel or equipment. Always check the criteria carefully before applying, as deadlines, eligibility rules and whether awards can be combined will vary.

Step 1: Research available opportunities and confirm eligibility.

Step 2: Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of your asylum application status, academic transcripts, and references from teachers or mentors.

Step 3: Write a personal statement explaining your academic goals, challenges, and why you need financial support.

Step 4: Check deadlines and apply as soon as possible.

Remember to contact universities directly if you need additional support. Representatives from the admissions or student finance office can provide full details and guide you through the process. In the UK, there are plenty of free services, organisations, charities, and volunteers help groups who can provide general guidance or refer you to people who can offer more specialised services. With determination and the right resources, higher education is within your reach.