In line with our commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity, we are actively pursuing the designation of a University of Sanctuary. This initiative aligns with our strategic goal to become the most inclusive university anywhere by 2030.
Our Commitment
As the most diverse university in the Russell Group, with over 75% of our home students identifying as Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and nearly 50% being the first in their family to attend university, we recognize the unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Our Centre for the Study of Migration serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and advocacy on migration and diaspora issues. QMUL also holds the (B)Orders Centre focusing on the study of bordering, ordering and othering processes through law.
Sanctuary Scholarships
To reduce barriers to higher education, QMUL offers Sanctuary Scholarships for undergraduate students from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds. These scholarships provide full tuition fee waivers and a bursary for living expenses. For detailed information on eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit our Sanctuary Scholarship page.
Support Services
We are committed to ensuring that sanctuary students have access to comprehensive support services:
Academic Support: Our Academic Skills team offers tailored assistance to help students transition to university-level study.
Wellbeing Services: Confidential counselling and mental health support are available to address personal and academic challenges.
Accommodation Assistance: Guidance is provided to help students secure suitable housing, with some on-campus accommodation options available.
Language Support: Our language centre offers pre-sessional programmes and in course language tuition to help students’ academic success.
Community Engagement
QMUL collaborates with local organizations and participates in national networks to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion:
- Partnerships: We work closely with groups such as [City of Sanctuary] (https://cityofsanctuary.org/) and local refugee support organizations to share resources and best practices.
- Events and Workshops: We host events during Refugee Week and throughout the year to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of sanctuary seekers. Further details are available on the Centre for the Study of Migration Events page.
Get Involved
We encourage students, staff, and community members to join us in creating a supportive environment:
- Volunteer Opportunities: Participate in mentoring programs, language support, and other initiatives aimed at assisting sanctuary seekers.
- Awareness Campaigns: Engage in activities that promote understanding and inclusivity within the university and the broader community.
For more information or to get involved, please contact our University of Sanctuary team at cfsm@qmul.ac.uk