Newman expands Sanctuary Scholarship to support Ukrainian refugees

Since 2014, Newman University has been proud to offer two undergraduate scholarships per year to asylum seekers and forced migrants of any nationality, residing within the UK. The Sanctuary Scholarship is part of the Helena Kennedy Foundation’s Article 26 Project, promoting access to higher education for people who have fled persecution and sought asylum in the UK.

The scholarship provides students holding an offer of study at Newman, who cannot access finance from Student Finance England because of their Home Office status, with a tuition fee waiver, study and travel support, as well as personal support and advice.

In response to the war in Ukraine, the University is now expanding its scholarship offer to include two undergraduate and two postgraduate scholarships for Ukrainian nationals who have recently sought refuge in the UK.

Sian Howarth, Director of Student Services at Newman University, commented, “Our Sanctuary Scholarship scheme has been such a success since we launched it in 2014, with four of our scholars achieving First Class Honours degrees. Knowing how truly life-changing this experience can be, we were keen to offer more scholarship opportunities to people who have recently fled Ukraine and to complete their education interrupted by the war there.”

Professor Richard Medcalf, Newman University Pro Vice-Chancellor commented, “We are proud to be expanding our offer of Sanctuary Scholarships to include support for Ukrainian nationals to study with us at Newman University in Birmingham. We have made support available for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and look forward to welcoming more scholarship students in September.”

The expansion of the scholarship follows a charity cycle ride, clothing collections and a number of donation activities to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The University is committed to supporting those in need, as part of our mission for social justice and community.

The Sanctuary Scholarship is open for applications from prospective students starting their studies in September 2022. Find out more about this scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, on our Sanctuary Scholarship web page.