Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Portsmouth 2026

The Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Portsmouth offers full undergraduate tuition fees and ongoing personal and financial support to students seeking asylum or holding temporary immigration status in the UK. Recipients also receive support for study-related costs such as books, IT equipment, and travel, along with mentoring to help overcome barriers during their course. Usually, one scholarship is awarded per year, and successful applicants are expected to act as champions for the University and support other students seeking sanctuary.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
2. Value: Full tuition + financial and personal support
3. Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
4. Sponsor: University of Portsmouth
5. Eligible Country: United Kingdom

Eligibility Criteria for Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Portsmouth 2026

To be considered for the Sanctuary Scholarship, you must be living in the UK and at least one of the following must apply:

1. You have submitted an application to the UK Home Office for asylum or humanitarian protection
2. You have been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain or some other form of temporary status as a result of an asylum application and are not eligible for funding from Student Finance England
3. You are the spouse/civil partner or dependant of someone who has submitted an application to the UK Home Office for asylum or humanitarian protection
4. You are the spouse/civil partner or dependant of someone who has been granted Discretionary or Limited Leave to Remain or some other form of temporary status as a result of an asylum application and are not eligible for funding from Student Finance England

Spouses/civil partners must have been your spouse/civil partner on the date they made an asylum application. If you're a dependant of someone, you must have been aged under 18 on the date they made an asylum application.

You must also:

1. Have a conditional or unconditional offer from the University of Portsmouth for entry in September 2025 onto an undergraduate degree course (excluding NHS funded and ICP courses)
2. Be attending a school, college, community or voluntary group, which can provide a reference in support of your application
3. Not need support for accommodation and living expenses and live within a suitable distance to easily commute to the University
4. Be unable to access UK Government student financial support because of your immigration status
5. Be able to provide evidence that the UK Home Office is considering your (or your spouse/civil partner/parent/carer's) asylum application
6. Be willing to act as a champion for the University to encourage future students to progress to higher education

See terms and conditions for full eligibility criteria

Benefits of Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Portsmouth 2026

1. Full tuition fees for each year of an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree (including a sandwich year)
2. Financial support towards study costs – for example books, IT equipment, travel costs or other costs that help you to study effectively

You'll also get personal support to help identify and overcome barriers to achievement on your course.

How to Apply

To apply, you must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study an undergraduate degree starting in September 2026.

Details on how to apply for courses are on all course pages.

You'll need to complete a brief application to demonstrate how studying at the University of Portsmouth and being awarded this scholarship will prepare you for your future.

Asking for an application form

Once you hold an offer to study with us, email sanctuary@port.ac.uk to ask for a Sanctuary Scholarship application form.

Sending your application form

When you send your completed application form, you'll also need to include:

1. a copy of your University of Portsmouth offer letter
2. the name and contact details of a referee from someone at your school, college, community or voluntary group
3. evidence of your current immigration status

For more information, visit University of Portsmouth Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

April 30, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Portsmouth 2026