Lancaster Sanctuary Scholarship

At Lancaster University we are committed to offering all the opportunities of higher education to those seeking a place of safety and security. Our Sanctuary Scholarships are available to students who are seeking asylum in the UK and are not entitled to receive statutory student financial support from Student Finance England (Wales or Northern Ireland) or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. Please note, that there is a limited number of Sanctuary Scholarships available each year.

What does the Lancaster sanctuary scholarship offer?

A place to live

Free accommodation on the University campus.

Tuition fee waiver

100% tuition fee discount until such a time as you are awarded a status in the UK that allows you to apply for support from Student Finance England (Wales or Northern Ireland) or Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

Support to live

Up to £5,000 per year to support with living costs, non-repayable until such a time as you are awarded a status in the UK that allows you to apply for support from Student Finance England (Wales or Northern Ireland) or Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

Support to succeed

A guaranteed place on the Lancaster Success Programme, which includes one-to-one coaching and support.

Who can apply?

Scholarships are open to applicants that:

• Are holding an offer for a UG or PGT course at Lancaster starting in September 2026
• Are unable to access mainstream funding (e.g. a Student Finance loan)

You will be eligible for this scholarship if you residency status is one of the following:

• Asylum Seeker: Currently seeking asylum in the UK
• Refused Asylum Seeker: Your application for refugee status has been denied, but a fresh claim is in process
• Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain
• Indefinite Leave to Remain