University of Sanctuary
Source: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/about/university-of-sanctuary Parent: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding
The University of Sussex 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 University of Sussex is an official University of Sanctuary, after being awarded the status in 2020 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 City of Sanctuary Charter.
Universities of Sanctuary are part of the City of Sanctuary UK initiative to ensure our nation is a welcoming place of safety for all.
An agenda for change
The University of Sanctuary team here at Sussex will use the University of Sanctuary status to:
- provide greater support for sanctuary-seeking students, including through scholarships and support for students already at Sussex
- 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
University of Sussex 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.
Sussex 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 Sussex founded the scholarship in 1973.
Supporting your study at Sussex
Sussex 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 Sussex 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\ Find out more about Adarsh’s story
##### Sanctuary support activities
##### Related teaching and research
More information and resources
- Brighton & Hove City Council’s support for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees
- Citizens Advice immigration guidance
- City of Sanctuary UK resources
- Refugee Week
- Right to Remain Toolkit. A Guide to the UK Immigration and Asylum System
- Sanctuary on Sea (the Brighton and Hove City of Sanctuary)
- Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
- Voices in Exile.
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 University of Sussex, 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.\