Sanctuary Scholarship

Overview

We work in partnership with The Archdeacon of Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral) under the Article 26 Project to enable those seeking asylum to progress to higher education with our Sanctuary Scholarship.

What is the Sanctuary Scholarship?

The Sanctuary Scholarship is available to those who have asylum seeker or refugee status.

At Canterbury Christ Church University, we support and advocate for those who have travelled to the UK for safety. We seek to support those wanting to continue their education and are proud to offer the Sanctuary Scholarship to those in need. 

Applications are open from 1 April - 30 June.

What can the Sanctuary Scholarship be used for?

The Sanctuary Scholarship can be used to financially aid the following:

Tuition fee support

Successful students will be offered a tuition fee waiver until such time as they are awarded status that entitles them to access statutory student support. The fee waiver will not extend to repeat years of study.

Study and travel support

Successful students will be offered an annual bursary totalling £1000 to assist with study and travel expenses. Canterbury Christ Church University and The Archdeacon of Canterbury’s Office both contribute to this bursary. The bursary is not means‐tested and is paid directly into the student’s bank account in three termly instalments (Term 1 = £250; Term 2 = £250; Term 3 = £500). The bursary will not be paid for repeat years of study.

Personal support

Support will be developed for each student to enable them to identify and overcome barriers to achievement on their degree course.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be:

• an asylum seeker/a dependant of an asylum seeker;

OR

• an asylum seeker/a dependant of an asylum seeker who has been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or some other form of temporary status

AND

• have firmly accepted an offer of a full-time undergraduate place at Canterbury Christ Church University (please note Postgraduate applicants are ineligible)

• currently attending a school, college, community or voluntary group which can provide a reference in support of your application

• unable to access statutory student support

• do not require support to fund accommodation.

Applicants have to agree to keep the Immigration Compliance department of the University updated on their immigration status at all times. As soon as they receive a decision from the Home Office, they must provide the University with a copy of the documents, whether it is a positive or negative decision. The University may not be able to keep a failed asylum seeker who has exhausted their appeal rights within the University.