The Manchester Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship is a fully funded support scheme designed to assist students seeking asylum in the United Kingdom who are unable to access mainstream student finance.
It is offered by the Manchester Metropolitan University and is targeted at individuals who face significant financial and immigration-related barriers to accessing higher education.
The scholarship provides a pathway for students seeking asylum in the North West region of England to pursue an undergraduate degree without worrying about tuition fees or basic living costs.
It also includes additional immigration-related support from the university’s international student support team, helping students navigate complex legal and personal circumstances during their studies.
Scholarship Value and Financial Support
The Manchester Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship is a fully funded award with strong financial coverage.
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of study
- £6,000 annual maintenance allowance for living costs
- Funding support for up to three years of undergraduate study
- Possible additional year of funding if a student needs to repeat a year (subject to approval)
- Ongoing immigration and welfare support services
This combination of tuition coverage and maintenance support ensures that students can focus on academic success without financial pressure.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Applicants must meet strict eligibility conditions to be considered for the scholarship.
To qualify, students must:
- Hold a firm offer for a full-time undergraduate course at Manchester Metropolitan University
- Be starting studies in the specified academic year
- Meet English language requirements for admission
- Not already hold a qualification at the same academic level
- Not receive funding from other organisations such as charities or employers
- Be unable to access standard student finance or local authority support
- Live within commuting distance of Manchester Metropolitan University
Applicants must also hold one of the following immigration statuses:
- Asylum seeker awaiting a decision
- Refugee or person with discretionary leave to remain
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking child status
- Refused asylum seeker with an active fresh claim
All conditions must be fully satisfied before application.
Application Process for the Sanctuary Scholarship
The application process is structured and only open to students who have already received an offer of admission.
Applicants are required to:
- Apply for a full-time undergraduate course at Manchester Metropolitan University
- Receive a formal offer of admission
- Complete the Sanctuary Scholarship application form once applications open
- Provide supporting documents confirming immigration status and personal circumstances
- Attend an interview if shortlisted
Applications open at the beginning of the year and close at the end of August.
Successful applicants are typically informed at the start of September.
Selection Criteria for the Scholarship
The scholarship is highly competitive and selection is based on a holistic review of each applicant’s situation.
Key selection factors include:
- Immigration and asylum status
- Academic potential and readiness for university study
- Strength of personal statement and supporting evidence
- Commitment to completing higher education
- Ability to demonstrate resilience and motivation
Due to limited availability, only one student is selected for this scholarship each year.
Support Services Included in the Scholarship
Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship also includes student support services designed to help with academic and personal challenges.
These include:
- Dedicated immigration advice and support
- Academic mentoring and guidance
- Welfare and wellbeing support services
- Access to university student development resources
This ensures that students are supported throughout their academic journey.
Course Coverage
The scholarship applies to all full-time undergraduate degree programmes except foundation year and distance learning courses.
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding. In some cases, additional funding may be provided if a student needs to repeat a year of study, subject to university approval.
Application Deadline
31 August 2026
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Manchester Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should note the following:
- Applications are only open to students with a confirmed university offer
- Only one student is awarded the scholarship each year
- Students must be able to commute to Manchester Metropolitan University throughout their studies
- All decisions are final after selection and interview stages
The scholarship aims to ensure fairness while prioritising students with the greatest need.