University of Sanctuary
The ßÏßÏÊÓƵ has a proud and radical tradition of providing sanctuary for academics and students, and is committed to making the University a welcoming and safe place for forced migrants and asylum seekers.
University of Sanctuary status
The ßÏßÏÊÓƵ is an official , after being and receiving reaccreditation in 2026. This recognises our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion across our campuses and their wider communities, as well as commitment to the .
Universities of Sanctuary are part of the to ensure our nation is a welcoming place of safety for all.
An agenda for change
The University of Sanctuary team here at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ will use the University of Sanctuary status to:
- provide greater support for sanctuary-seeking students, including through scholarships and support for students already at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
- mainstream our sanctuary work, including through better support and training for relevant staff
- strengthen sanctuary-related, research, knowledge exchange and civic engagement work, including through links with local organisations and with other Sanctuary universities
- develop better support for learners in areas of conflict.
Our history and values
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ staff and students have a long history of supporting those seeking sanctuary and raising awareness of their rights and needs, including through our research, teaching, community engagement, and campaigning activities.
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ was the first British university to offer Mandela Scholarships. In a pioneering effort to counter the injustice of apartheid and raise the profile of Mandela’s struggle for freedom, students at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ founded the scholarship in 1973.
Supporting your study at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
ßÏßÏÊÓƵ offers Sanctuary scholarships for undergraduate and Masters study to people who are asylum seekers or who have a form of temporary leave. Find out more about our Sanctuary scholarships.
We also have a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to support students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
“I sincerely thank the University and the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ alumni community for supporting and recognising me in this way. My Sanctuary Scholarship was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.” Adarsh Ramdawor
Sanctuary Scholar
Sanctuary Scholar
More information and resources
- Brighton & Hove City Council’s support for
- .
Steering Group and Forum
The University of Sanctuary Steering Group coordinates and supports activities in relation to our University of Sanctuary status. The Steering Group brings together colleagues from across the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, including students with experience of claiming sanctuary, as well as external advocates and service providers.
The Forum is an open network for anyone in the university community and beyond to come together to share developments and discuss issues related to Sanctuary.
You can sign up to our Sanctuary Forum mailing list using the form below.
Contact us
General enquiries: Contact us about Sanctuary Scholarships.
Undergraduate admissions: Ask us a question.
Postgraduate admissions: Ask us a question.