Sanctuary Scholarship

We believe our community is made richer by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. We recognise that these students have shown remarkable strength, resilience and commitment. Each year we offer Sanctuary scholarships to them.

The Sanctuary scholarship includes:

• A full tuition fee waiver
• £4,000 per year towards the costs of study
• 1 to 1 personalised support

Before you apply for a Sanctuary scholarship, make sure you meet the criteria below.

You must meet at least 1 of these criteria:

• You are seeking asylum in the UK. You will need an active asylum case to apply.
• A dependent or partner is seeking asylum in the UK. They will need an active asylum case for you to apply.
• You have been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain, or another form of temporary status as the result of an asylum claim.
• A dependent or partner has been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain, or another form of temporary status as the result of an asylum claim.

You must also meet all of the following criteria:

• You have a conditional or unconditional offer for entry on an undergraduate or postgraduate course at York St John University.
• You are currently attending a school, college, community or voluntary group which can provide a reference in support of your application.
• You are unable to access mainstream funding such as student finance or a local authority grant.
• You live within commuting distance of York St John University.
• You do not need support for living costs or accommodation.
• You did not enter the UK on a Student Visa.

Applications for the 2026 Sanctuary scholarship will open at the end of the year.