Supporting displaced students (refugees, asylum seekers, and those with insecure immigration statuses)

This toolkit was created in partnership with Student Action for Refugees (STAR), Refugee Education UK, and We Belong.

The support displaced students may need will vary according to their specific immigration status. Read an explanation of what different statuses can mean for those wishing to study in higher education.

Pre-application and research phase

For displaced students, forward planning is very important to allow time for detailed research, scholarship applications, and managing changes. Support needs will vary according to immigration status – read an explanation of what different statuses can mean for those wishing to study in higher education.

For students in local authority care, please cross-reference this toolkit with the adviser toolkit for supporting students with care experience.

Communication with students, parents, and other supporters

• Identify displaced students and flag that they may be able to get help to go to university or college – read our information and advice.
• The pastoral team in your school or college may be able to help – either by helping you identify students who may benefit from support, or by helping with the conversations if they already have a trusted relationship with those students. Direct them to our step-by-step guide for more guidance.
• Engage with supporters (e.g. parents and carers) to ensure they know where to get expert information and advice if needed. If a child is in local authority care, our PEPs action checklist may be a useful resource for the adults supporting them.
• Check if the university has a named contact for displaced students and encourage the student to get in touch – they will be able to answer any questions and give more information, even if they decide not to apply there. 

Supporting students to research their options

• Set clear expectations: Asylum seekers and students with insecure statuses are typically classed as international students and ineligible for student finance. This may be a barrier, as some universities can only accept students with official refugee status. However, some can support these students to access higher education, so they must contact the university to discuss their circumstances before applying. Check the rules on the UKCISA website.
• Students can find information about scholarships and bursaries on the Displaced Students Opportunities Portal, and a list of scholarships on the STAR website. They also offer advice on how to apply, and have a mailing list to stay up-to-date with deadlines and new opportunities.
• Signpost expert resources: Refugees and those seeking asylum can find more support from Refugee Education UK and Student Action for Refugees (STAR). Those with insecure statuses (e.g. Limited Leave to Remain) can find help on We Belong website. 

Think about practical matters early

• The UK Council for International Students' (UKCISA) website can clarify any questions about immigration status and studying in UK higher education.
• Students with refugee status or humanitarian protection are normally eligible for student finance and home fees in the UK, but should check residency rules on the UKCISA website.
• If students have also spent time in local authority care, they may be eligible for additional support. See the toolkit for supporting care-experienced students for more information.
• Students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency to access higher education, typically through a qualification (e.g. grade 4 or above in GCSE English, IELTS). The British Council has committed to offering free IELTS tests for refugees. Read more about English language requirements on the REUK website.
• Students who have experienced trauma may find it helpful to know about available support for managing their mental health and wellbeing. Ensure they know what support is available at university and how to access it. Eencourage them to share any existing mental health condition in their UCAS application. Be mindful that there is considerable stigma about mental health in some countries and cultures, so students may be hesitant to share this information. See our toolkit for supporting students with mental health conditions for more information.

When they’re applying

Making their choices

Double-check the student has contacted each of their choices to discuss their circumstances – especially if they do not yet have official refugee or humanitarian protection status. Are they fully aware of the restrictions in place and if they can get support?

Completing the UCAS application

• Make sure students know the key dates (including any internal deadlines) and check in with them in advance to ensure they're on track.
• Encourage students to share their displacement (and any other relevant circumstances) in the ‘More about you’ section. Reassure them this information is used to connect them to the right support – not to make a decision on their application. Read more about sharing this information.
• Help them select the correct residential category on their UCAS application, so the university can set the correct fee status – UKCISA can offer help and guidance.  
• Use the reference to flag if a student is unable to provide proof of achieved qualifications or training. Contact the university or college directly to discuss this, as there is diversity in how each addresses this issue. Use the extenuating circumstances section to explain any challenges that have affected their performance or grades (e.g. missed schooling).
• Encourage eligible students to share care experience in the Diversity and Inclusion section so they can get the right support.
• Advise students to use the personal statement to outline their previous study, particularly if they are unable to provide proof of qualifications, or did not complete the course. We offer a personal statement guide to help displaced students.
• Check asylum seekers have the means to pay the application fee as they may not have access to a bank account.

Other things to consider at this stage

Have they checked deadlines for applying to scholarships? STAR Network has a guide to applying on their scholarships page. 

Post-application and offers

• If a student’s status changes after they’ve submitted their application, they must contact the university immediately as this can affect their fee status and eligibility for student finance.
• Remind students to update their contact details if they move after submitting their application.
• If the student is unhappy with, or unclear about, the fee status set by the university or college, they should contact them directly. UKCISA can help, and Coram Children’s Legal Centre gives free legal advice to young people. 

During Confirmation and Clearing

• Help them to explore their options in case things don’t go as planned. Finding a course through Clearing will be a challenge for those relying on a scholarship (rather than student finance), and they may need to reapply the following year.
• Students should explain their circumstances in any Clearing call, to ensure they are given the right advice and support.
• If a student is unsuccessful in securing a place, make them aware of alternative options – this guide to alternatives from REUK can help them progress in their education until any barriers are removed. 
   

Preparing for the transition to university or college

• Check if the university offers any summer schools or courses to help students prepare for higher education or improve their language skills, etc. You can find a list of pre-university courses for refugee and asylum-seeking students on the STAR website.
• Research online courses that can help students prepare for higher level study. FutureLearn offers a course specially designed for refugees and asylum seekers entering HE. There are others aimed at international students, which may also be useful.
• Students should check their bank details and course choice are correct on their student finance application to avoid any delays with their payments. If they need help to open a bank account, the Scottish Refugee Council’s guide will help.
• Prepare them for independent living – they may need help to get up-to-speed with skills such as cooking. If they are planning to live away from home, Leapskills from Unite students is designed to help young people prepare for the transition.
• Check they know who to contact at the university or college if they have any questions or problems during their studies.  

Further support and resources

• Information and advice for displaced students on ucas.com.
• The Displaced Students Opportunities Portal is a great starting point for researching support in higher education – including scholarships, bursaries, and other support.
• Refugee Education UK offers support services to help refugees and asylum seekers overcome challenges accessing education. They provide lots of resources and information specifically about accessing higher education, as well as 1:1 support sessions and workshops.
• Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Network –  campaigns for equal access to higher education for refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. You can find information about access to university, including a list of scholarships, application guidance, and FAQs.
• We Belong works with young migrants to achieve better outcomes and remove barriers to success – including in education. They offer advice, support and training to those aged 16–25, including those wishing to access UK higher education.
• UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) can help students understand more about their tuition fee status in different parts of the UK, as well as other issues related to immigration and education.
• Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free legal information, advice, and representation to children, and their families or carers. It can help if you are unclear about your immigration status or need legal advice.
• Universities of Sanctuary is a network of higher education staff and students supporting refugees and asylum seekers. They have created guidance for forcibly displaced students navigating higher education.