Description
Brunel University of London remains deeply committed to transforming lives through education, particularly for individuals who have faced persecution and are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. Since its introduction in 2018, the Brunel Sanctuary Scholarship has served as a powerful initiative aimed at reducing the barriers that prevent asylum seekers from accessing higher education. Many of these individuals encounter financial hardship, uncertainty surrounding their immigration status, and limited access to traditional funding opportunities, making university studies difficult or even impossible to pursue. The scholarship is thoughtfully designed for new students beginning full-time Undergraduate programmes at Brunel University of London or enrolling through the Brunel Pathway College (BPC) for the September 2026 intake. By offering a comprehensive support package, the programme ensures that deserving, academically capable students can pursue their educational aspirations without the overwhelming worry of tuition fees or accommodation costs. This initiative not only opens doors to higher learning but also empowers students to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and create a strong foundation for their future. Through this scholarship, Brunel University continues to reinforce its mission of inclusivity, equality, and social impact, providing sanctuary students with the opportunity to pursue their goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Brunel Sanctuary Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports individuals who face significant barriers to accessing higher education due to their immigration status, financial circumstances, or previous educational limitations.
Immigration Status Requirements:
You must fall into one of the eligible immigration categories listed below:
- Asylum Seeker: You must have an active or approved asylum application with no conditions restricting study in the UK.
- Refugee Status: Includes applicants resettled through schemes such as the Syrian Vulnerable Person Relocation Scheme (VPRS) or similar humanitarian pathways.
- Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR): Granted as a result of a previous asylum claim, allowing you lawful residence and access to education.
- Humanitarian Protection: For individuals who have been recognized as needing protection but do not fully meet the criteria for refugee status.
- Family Reunion Visa Holders: Applicants who have joined a refugee or individual with humanitarian protection through a family reunion route.
- Limited Leave to Remain (LLR): Granted based on: (a) Human Rights claims, or (b) Being an under-18 family member of a recognized refugee.
Fee Status Requirements:
- You must be assessed by the university as a Home fee-paying student, or
- You must receive discretionary Home fee status from Brunel University.
- Important: Applicants classified as Overseas fee payers are not eligible for this scholarship under any circumstances.
Academic Entry Requirements:
- You must apply for a full-time Undergraduate degree programme beginning in September 2026.
- To receive the scholarship, you must later hold an Unconditional Firm (UF) offer for your chosen programme.
Previous Education Requirement:
- You must not have already completed an undergraduate degree or any equivalent higher-level qualification, whether in the UK or abroad.
Exclusions (Who Cannot Apply):
The scholarship is not available to:
- Students applying for Brunel Language Centre programmes.
- Students seeking entry directly into Year 2 or Year 3 (Levels 5 or 6).
- Applicants wishing to defer their admission to another academic year beyond 2026.
- Individuals assessed as Overseas fee status.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The Brunel Sanctuary Scholarship offers a comprehensive financial support package designed to remove the economic barriers that often prevent asylum seekers and refugees from accessing higher education. The award ensures that recipients can pursue their academic goals with security, dignity, and peace of mind throughout the duration of their undergraduate studies.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver:
- 100% of tuition fees are covered for every academic year of the degree program.
- The waiver applies for the entire duration of the course, including: (a) Standard 3-year undergraduate degrees, (b) 4-year degrees with a sandwich/placement year, (c) 4–5-year Integrated Master’s programmes
- Students are not required to make any financial contributions toward tuition at any point.
Free On-Campus Accommodation:
- Single-occupancy ensuite room provided in Brunel University’s Halls of Residence.
- The scholarship fully covers all accommodation costs; students pay no rent.
- Ensures a stable, safe living environment throughout the academic year.
Duration of Housing Support:
- Accommodation is funded for up to 52 weeks per year, meaning: (a) Students do not need to move out during holiday breaks. (b) Housing stability is maintained throughout term time and non-term periods.
- This full-year support is especially valuable for individuals who may not have alternative safe housing options.
Support for Sandwich Courses & Integrated Master’s:
- Students enrolled in sandwich/placement year programmes will continue to receive accommodation support: (a) If the student chooses to stay in on-campus housing during the placement year, fees remain fully covered.
- Students in Integrated Master’s degrees also receive accommodation coverage during the additional Master's-level study year.
Important Notes:
- There is no cash alternative for the accommodation benefit. (a) The housing support applies only to students living in on-campus Brunel Halls of Residence. (b) Students choosing to live off-campus will forfeit the accommodation waiver.
- The scholarship does not include additional living expenses, travel costs, meal plans, or academic materials.
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Application Procedure
The Brunel Sanctuary Scholarship follows a structured application process designed to confirm eligibility, assess personal circumstances, and ensure that the scholarship is awarded to students who will benefit most. Each step must be completed carefully and on time to avoid disqualification.
1. Apply for Admission to Brunel University London:
- Apply for any full-time Undergraduate program starting in September 2026.
- You must complete this step before applying for the scholarship because: (a) You will need a Brunel Student ID/application number to access the scholarship form. (b) Admissions status helps validate your academic eligibility.
- Applications can be submitted via UCAS or Brunel’s direct application route, depending on the course.
2. Complete and Submit the Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form:
- Access the online scholarship form through the official Brunel Scholarships Portal.
- Ensure all personal, academic, and immigration information is accurate and up to date.
- Submit the form before the published deadline - late submissions are not accepted.
- Applicants are encouraged to prepare answers in advance, as the form may include questions about personal background, challenges faced, and future goals.
3. Upload & Email Immigration Status Evidence:
- You must email verified proof of your immigration status to:
Scholarships@brunel.ac.uk - Acceptable documents include: (a) Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), (b) Official Home Office decision letters, (c) Passport with immigration vignette, (d) Asylum Registration Card (ARC)
- All documents must be clear, readable, and valid.
- This step is mandatory, and failure to email evidence before the deadline will lead to automatic disqualification, regardless of application quality.
4. Selection Process & Interview Stage:
- The Scholarship Panel begins reviewing applications in May and June 2026.
- Assessment is based on: (a) Eligibility, (b) Personal circumstances, (c) Motivation and academic potential, (d) Alignment with the Sanctuary Scholarship mission
- Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to attend a short, informal interview: (a) Conducted online (video call) or on-campus, (b) Focuses on readiness for university life, resilience, goals, and support needs, (c) Interviews usually occur in June 2026.
5. Final Award & Confirmation:
- Provisional scholarship offers are made to successful candidates in June 2026.
- These offers remain subject to final academic and immigration checks.
- Final confirmation occurs in September 2026, once the following are verified: (a) Examination results, (b) Conditions of your university offer, (c) Verified eligibility status
- Students who meet all criteria will officially receive the Sanctuary Scholarship upon full registration at Brunel.
For more info and to apply, please visit here.
Website URL
https://www.brunel.ac.uk/scholarships/brunel-sanctuary-scholarship-terms-and-conditions