Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship for Undergraduate Students 2025: A Lifeline for Asylum Seekers and Those with Temporary Immigration Status
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has launched a significant opportunity for undergraduate students with asylum-seeking backgrounds or temporary immigration status who face challenges in securing funding for their higher education. The Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship for 2025 offers a full tuition fee waiver and substantial maintenance support, providing a chance for students in these circumstances to pursue a degree in the UK.
What is the Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship?
The Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship is designed specifically for students who have been granted temporary immigration status as a result of seeking asylum or who are asylum seekers themselves. The scholarship provides financial aid to ensure that students who are ineligible for traditional student funding due to their immigration status can still access higher education.
QMUL is committed to offering support to those who may not have other options for funding their studies. This initiative is part of the university's broader effort to support diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in higher education, particularly for students from vulnerable backgrounds.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
The Sanctuary Scholarship offers an impressive financial package that includes:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Successful applicants will receive a full waiver on their tuition fees, meaning they will not have to worry about the cost of their education.
- Maintenance Support: In addition to the tuition fee waiver, the scholarship provides significant living cost support:
- £1,700 Queen Mary Bursary per year.
- £8,877 per year for those living with a parent or guardian.
- £13,762 per year for those living independently.
This financial package is non-repayable, meaning that recipients do not need to worry about paying it back.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Immigration Status: Applicants must either:
- Have temporary immigration status awarded due to a claim for asylum (e.g., limited leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain, humanitarian protection), or
- Be an asylum seeker or the child of an asylum seeker.
- Funding Ineligibility: Applicants must be ineligible to obtain funding from the Student Loan Company due to their immigration status.
- Application to Queen Mary University: Interested candidates must have:
- Submitted a UCAS application for a place on an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Science & Engineering or the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by 29th January 2025.
- Received either a conditional or unconditional offer from Queen Mary University by the time of their scholarship application.
- No Prior Higher Education Qualifications: Applicants must not already hold an equivalent or higher level qualification.
How to Apply
The application process for the Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. To apply, students must:
- Complete the Application Form for the 2025/26 academic year.
- Email all required supporting documents to bursaries@qmul.ac.uk. This may include proof of immigration status, academic transcripts, and any other relevant documents requested by the university.
- Submit the application by the scholarship deadline: May 16, 2025.
The Importance of This Scholarship
The Sanctuary Scholarship at Queen Mary University of London represents more than just financial support—it symbolizes hope and opportunity for students who have faced significant challenges. Many asylum seekers or those with temporary immigration status struggle to access education due to their inability to qualify for traditional funding. By offering this scholarship, Queen Mary University helps level the playing field and ensures that talented individuals from vulnerable backgrounds can pursue their academic and professional dreams.
This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the doors of higher education are open to everyone, regardless of their immigration status.
Final Thoughts
For students who qualify, the Queen Mary University Sanctuary Scholarship offers not only financial relief but also a chance to build a brighter future through education. By covering both tuition fees and living costs, the scholarship enables recipients to focus on their studies without the added worry of financial strain. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, this scholarship is an opportunity not to be missed.
The application deadline for this year is May 16, 2025, so be sure to start the process early to ensure all documentation is submitted on time.
