The London Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship is a fully funded award designed to open the doors of higher education to students who face significant barriers because of their immigration status. It covers full tuition fees and provides a generous maintenance grant, making it one of the few scholarships in the United Kingdom that directly addresses the gap left for those who cannot access standard government student finance. If you have been dreaming of a university education but your immigration situation has made funding feel out of reach, this scholarship could be the opportunity that changes everything for you.
This scholarship is specifically for individuals who are seeking asylum, hold humanitarian protection status, or have discretionary leave to remain in the UK, as well as their dependants and partners who share similar statuses. It is not open to the general public, and that is precisely what makes it so important: it serves a group of people who are often overlooked by mainstream funding schemes. Up to two students will be supported each year, so the competition is meaningful, but the reward for a successful applicant is extraordinary.
In this post, you will find everything you need to know about the London Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year. We cover who is eligible, what benefits are included, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, key dates, and tips to help you put your best application forward. Read through carefully so you have everything you need before the deadline.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate (full-time) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Deadline | Friday, 5 June 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | Asylum seekers, those with humanitarian protection, discretionary/limited leave to remain, and their dependants in the UK |
| Benefits Summary | Full tuition fee waiver plus maintenance grant of up to 13,762 GBP per academic year, plus a dedicated academic mentor |
Eligibility
To be considered for the Sanctuary Scholarship, you must meet ALL of the criteria below. Meeting some but not all will unfortunately make you ineligible.
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: You must be in the UK with one of the following statuses: humanitarian protection status; discretionary or limited leave to remain on human rights grounds (including UASC, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children); or you must have submitted an asylum claim in the UK and be awaiting a decision. Partners and dependants of someone with these statuses may also qualify.
- Academic Qualifications: You must be applying to study a full-time degree programme at London Metropolitan University. This includes four-year degrees that incorporate a foundation year.
- Access to Government Finance: You must be unable to access UK government Student Finance, meaning you are not eligible for tuition fee loans or maintenance loans/grants because of your immigration status. If you are eligible for standard Student Finance, you do not qualify for this scholarship.
- Study Mode: You must be studying full-time. Part-time students are not covered under this scholarship.
- Work Experience: Not applicable. There is no work experience requirement.
- Other Requirements: Your application must be supported and validated by the University before it is reviewed by the scholarship panel. You must also progress to the next year of study each year to remain eligible for the scholarship in subsequent years.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is not based on your country of origin. It is based on your current immigration status in the United Kingdom. Therefore, it is open to individuals from any country in the world, as long as they meet the immigration status requirements listed above.
If you are currently in the UK seeking asylum, hold humanitarian protection, or have been granted discretionary leave to remain, your nationality does not determine your eligibility. What matters is your current legal status in the UK.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is open to all fields of study available at London Metropolitan University, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
There are no restrictions on subject area or discipline. Whether you are interested in business, law, social sciences, health, computing, arts, or engineering, you are free to apply, as long as your chosen programme is a full-time degree at London Met. This includes four-year programmes with an integrated foundation year.
Benefits
The Sanctuary Scholarship is a fully funded award. Here is a breakdown of everything it covers:
- Tuition Fees: A full tuition fee waiver for each year of your degree programme. You will not pay any tuition fees for the duration of your studies.
- Living Allowance/Stipend: A maintenance grant equivalent to the maximum UK government Maintenance Loan, currently set at 13,762 GBP per academic year. This is paid in three termly instalments to help with your day-to-day living costs.
- Special Consideration for Asylum Seekers: If receiving the maintenance grant could negatively affect any government aid you are receiving (for example, if you are on asylum support), the university may instead provide support in kind. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Academic Mentorship: A dedicated academic mentor will be assigned to you throughout your studies. This person provides personal support, guidance, and pastoral care as you navigate university life.
- Renewal: You do not need to reapply for the scholarship each year. As long as you progress to the next year of study, the award continues automatically.
Required Documents
The official information does not publish a full list of required documents. However, based on standard practice for this type of scholarship and what the university requires, you should prepare the following. Contact the fees and funding team at feequery@londonmet.ac.uk to confirm the exact requirements.
- Completed scholarship application form (available on the London Met website)
- Valid passport or other accepted photo identification
- Evidence of your current immigration status in the UK (for example, a Home Office decision letter, Biometric Residence Permit, or documentation of your asylum claim)
- Academic transcripts from your most recent level of study
- Degree certificate or equivalent qualification (if applying for postgraduate study)
- A personal statement or supporting statement explaining your situation and why you are applying for the scholarship
- Proof of your application or enrolment at London Metropolitan University
- Any other supporting documents requested by the university to validate your application
How to Apply
Follow each step carefully. Missing a step could mean your application is not considered.
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Before anything else, go through every eligibility criterion listed in this post and confirm that you meet all of them. Pay close attention to the immigration status requirements. If you are unsure, contact the fees and funding team at feequery@londonmet.ac.uk.
Step 2: Apply to London Metropolitan University. You must first have an active application or offer to study a full-time degree at London Met. If you have not already done this, visit the London Met website and apply for your chosen course before starting the scholarship application.
Step 3: Download or access the scholarship application form. Visit the official Sanctuary Scholarship page on the London Metropolitan University website to find the application form. The link is available under the “Complete our Sanctuary Scholarship application form” section.
Step 4: Gather all your supporting documents. Collect evidence of your immigration status, academic history, and personal situation. Refer to the Required Documents section above and confirm the full list with the university.
Step 5: Write your personal or supporting statement. This is your opportunity to explain your circumstances, your goals, and why this scholarship would make a difference to your life. Be honest, specific, and clear. Avoid vague statements.
Step 6: Complete the application form in full. Fill in every section of the scholarship form accurately. Do not leave fields blank unless instructed to. Incomplete forms may not be considered.
Step 7: Submit your application by the deadline. All applications must be submitted by Friday, 5 June 2026. Submit through the official application channel provided on the university website.
Step 8: Ensure your application is validated by the University. The university must support and validate your application before it reaches the scholarship panel. If you do not hear anything about validation, contact the fees and funding team to confirm your application has been received and is in progress.
Step 9: Wait for the outcome. The university aims to inform successful applicants by 31 July 2026. If you do not receive a response by that date, note that only successful applicants are notified. If you are not selected, continue applying for other funding opportunities.
Step 10: If selected, confirm your place. Follow any instructions from the university about accepting the scholarship and confirming your place on your chosen programme for the 2026/27 academic year starting in September 2026.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | To be Determined |
| Application Deadline | Friday, 5 June 2026 |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Interviews | To be Determined |
| Final Results | By 31 July 2026 (successful applicants only) |
| Programme Begins | September 2026 |
Application Deadline
The deadline for the London Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship is Friday, 5 June 2026.
Applications submitted after this deadline will NOT be accepted. Do not wait until the last day to start your application. Gather your documents early and give yourself enough time to complete and review everything carefully before submitting.
Selection Criteria
The scholarship is awarded to up to two students per year. While the official information does not publish a formal scoring rubric, the following factors are likely to influence the panel’s decision based on the nature and purpose of the award:
- Meeting all eligibility requirements: Only applicants who fully satisfy every criterion will be reviewed. If you do not meet even one requirement, your application will not proceed.
- Strength of personal circumstances: The scholarship exists to support students who face genuine barriers to education due to their immigration status. The panel will consider how clearly and honestly you have communicated your situation.
- Commitment to education: The panel will look for evidence that you are serious about completing your studies and making the most of the opportunity. Your application should reflect genuine academic motivation.
- University validation: Your application must be supported and validated by London Met before it is reviewed. This means your relationship with the institution and your active application or enrolment will be considered.
- Potential and future goals: While academic excellence alone is not the primary focus, demonstrating clear goals and a vision for how your education will contribute to your future will strengthen your application.
Important Tips
- Contact the fees and funding team early. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, email feequery@londonmet.ac.uk before the deadline. It is better to ask and confirm than to submit an ineligible application.
- Apply to your course at London Met first. You cannot be considered for the scholarship without an active application or offer from the university. Make sure your course application is in before you submit the scholarship form.
- Be specific in your personal statement. The panel wants to understand your individual situation. Use your statement to explain clearly how your immigration status has prevented you from accessing standard funding and why a university education matters to you.
- Prepare your immigration documents carefully. Gather official documents that prove your current status in the UK. Home Office letters, Biometric Residence Permits, and any correspondence relating to your asylum claim should be kept organised and ready.
- Do not wait until the last minute. The deadline is 5 June 2026, but the process of gathering documents, completing the form, and getting university validation takes time. Start at least three to four weeks before the deadline.
- Understand the maintenance grant and its implications. If you are on asylum support, receiving the maintenance grant could affect your entitlements. Speak to the university about the option to receive support in kind instead, so you are not caught off guard.
- Keep copies of everything. Before you submit, make copies of your completed application form and all supporting documents. If anything goes missing or needs to be verified, you will have a record to refer to.
- Do not be discouraged if you are not selected. The university awards only up to two scholarships per year, and competition is significant. If you are not successful, ask about other funding options and continue pursuing your educational goals.
- Check for university validation. After submitting, confirm with the fees and funding team that your application has been received and is being processed for panel review. This step is required and should not be assumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am a dependent or partner of someone seeking asylum, not an asylum seeker myself?
Yes. The scholarship is open to dependents and partners of someone seeking asylum or holding humanitarian protection status, provided that person has one of the qualifying immigration statuses listed in the eligibility criteria. You must also be unable to access UK government Student Finance.
Do I need to reapply for the scholarship every year?
No. If you are awarded the scholarship, you do not need to reapply each year. The award continues as long as you progress to the next year of your degree programme at London Met.
What happens if the maintenance grant would affect my government support?
The university acknowledges that receiving a maintenance grant could affect certain government aid, particularly for those on asylum support. In such cases, it may be possible for the university to provide support in kind instead of a direct cash grant. Contact the fees and funding team to discuss your specific situation.
How many students will receive this scholarship?
Up to two students will be awarded the Sanctuary Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year.
Will I be notified if my application is unsuccessful?
The university states that it can only notify those who are selected. If you do not hear by 31 July 2026, it is likely that your application was not successful. The university encourages all applicants to continue pursuing other opportunities.
Can I apply for postgraduate study?
Yes. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as long as the programme is full-time at London Metropolitan University.
What is the maintenance grant amount?
The maintenance grant is currently set at 13,762 GBP per academic year, equivalent to the maximum UK government Maintenance Loan. This amount is paid in three termly installments.
What if I am having difficulty completing the application?
Contact the London Met fees and funding team by emailing feequery@londonmet.ac.uk. They can assist with questions about eligibility and the application process.
Official Link
Visit the official London Metropolitan University Sanctuary Scholarship page to access the application form and read the full terms:
https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships/sanctuary-scholarship/
