University of Sussex Sanctuary Scholarship 2025 – Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity for Forced Migrants
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
If you are a forced migrant residing in the UK and aspire to pursue a Master’s degree but face financial barriers due to your immigration status, the University of Sussex Sanctuary Scholarship 2025 offers a fully funded pathway to higher education. Recognized as a University of Sanctuary, Sussex is committed to supporting displaced individuals through inclusive academic opportunities.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Host Institution: University of Sussex
Study Level: Postgraduate (Taught Master’s)
Target Group: Forced migrants and individuals with temporary leave to remain in the UK
Fields of Study: All eligible Master’s programs at Sussex, excluding certain courses (see below)
Funding:
Full waiver of 'Overseas' tuition fees
£16,440 stipend for living expenses
Complimentary Sussexsport membership
Award Duration: Duration of the Master’s program
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT)
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible Applicants: Individuals residing in the UK with specific immigration statuses (detailed below)
📝 Scholarship Overview
The Sanctuary Scholarship is designed to support individuals who have been displaced due to conflict or persecution and are unable to access student loans in the UK. By providing comprehensive financial support, the scholarship enables recipients to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Sussex, fostering academic growth and integration into the academic community.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Tuition Fees: Full waiver of 'Overseas' tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s program.
Living Expenses: Annual stipend of £16,440 to cover living costs.
Additional Support: Free membership to Sussexsport facilities, promoting well-being and community engagement.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Residency and Immigration Status:
Be currently residing in the UK.
Have one of the following statuses:
Applied for recognition as a refugee with the UK Home Office.
Granted temporary leave to remain (e.g., humanitarian protection, limited leave to remain) and ineligible for Student Finance England funding.
Be a partner or child of an asylum seeker or an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child.
Financial Need:
Have a household income below £35,000.
Be unable to access UK government student financial support due to current immigration status.
Academic Offer:
Hold an offer to study an eligible Master’s degree at the University of Sussex, commencing in September 2025.
Ineligible Applicants:
Individuals not residing in the UK.
Those who have applied for or received refugee recognition in a country other than the UK.
Applicants to ineligible courses (see below).
Excluded Courses:
Certificates and Diplomas (including PGCE).
Courses at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
Courses at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).
Early Years Education (with Early Years Teacher status).
Degrees in Social Work (if receiving an NHS bursary).
Online courses.
School Direct teaching courses.
Master’s programs funded by research councils (e.g., ESRC 1+3 funding).
Courses offered at partner institutes (e.g., International Study Centre).
🗂️ Application Procedure
Application Steps:
Apply for an eligible Master’s program at the University of Sussex and accept the offer.
Complete the Sanctuary Scholarship application form, available on the University of Sussex website.
Submit the application by 1 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT).
📂 Required Documents:
Proof of immigration status or application (e.g., Home Office documentation).
Evidence of household income.
Personal statement outlining academic aspirations and circumstances.
Any additional documents specified in the application form.
Important Note: Personal statements must be written by the applicant. AI-generated statements are discouraged and may lead to disqualification.
📅 Timeline
Applications Open: 23 April 2025
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT)
Notification of Outcomes: By July 2025
Program Start Date: September 2025
📩 Contact Information
For queries and further information:
Email: scholarships@sussex.ac.uk
University Address:University of SussexSussex House, FalmerBrighton, BN1 9RHUnited Kingdom
🌟 Additional Information
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria but are not selected for the Sanctuary Scholarship may be considered for the Sanctuary Award, which reduces tuition fees to the 'Home' rate.
The University of Sussex is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all students, particularly those from displaced backgrounds. Through initiatives like the Sanctuary Scholarship, Sussex continues to support academic aspirations and promote educational equity.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
