Canterbury Christ Church University - Sanctuary Scholarship

What the Sanctuary Scholarship gives you

You get your full tuition fees waived plus £1,200 per year (about 1,400 EUR) towards study and travel costs, paid in three instalments across the academic year. You also get one-to-one support to help you deal with problems during your studies. Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers it to people who have come to the UK seeking safety. The fee waiver runs until you reach an immigration status that lets you access UK state student finance. It does not cover any year you have to repeat.

Who can apply

• Your status: You are an asylum seeker or a dependant of one. This includes if you have been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (temporary permission to stay in the UK) or another form of temporary status.
• Level: You have firmly accepted an offer for a full-time undergraduate (bachelor's) place at CCCU. You cannot apply for postgraduate study.
• Field of study: Any subject is fine.
• Reference: You currently attend a school, college, community group or voluntary group that can write a reference supporting your application.
• No state funding: You cannot access UK state student finance.
• Accommodation: You do not need help paying for housing.

How to apply

You apply through an online form on the CCCU website. Applications are open each year from 1 April to 30 June. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the university's student support and wellbeing advisers first.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut very narrowly. You must be seeking asylum in the UK, hold a firm undergraduate offer from this one university, and have no access to state student finance. That makes the eligible group small and the competition limited. If you clearly meet these conditions and can supply the reference, your prospects are good, especially if you apply early in the April to June window.