Refugee scholarships offering enhanced at University

Scholarship support for those affected by ongoing conflicts around the world has been expanded at the University of Reading.

In recognition of the impacts of continuing violence in the Middle East, Ukraine and other regions, the University pledged to increase its support for people unable to continue their education because they have fled conflict or been displaced.

This has led to a new scheme for PhD students, along with additional ways to access education at Reading.

Sanctuary PhD Studentships

Two fully-funded Sanctuary PhD Studentships have been created by the Doctoral and Researcher College to provide opportunities for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.

The four-year (or part-time equivalent) studentships are open to applicants from any discipline for entry in September 2025.

They cover fees at the domestic rate, a living allowance, and an annual research and training support allowance.

These awards complement the bursaries and fee-waivers which the University already offers for undergraduate and postgraduate taught study.

The Doctoral and Researcher College at the University is committed to fostering inclusivity and increasing diversity in the postgraduate research community, and to widening access to doctoral study.

More information is available on the Sanctuary PhD Studentships webpage.

Asylum seeker support

The University is doubling the number of Sanctuary Scholarships it offers to asylum seekers in the new year.

Four scholarships a year will be available from 2025, which each provide successful applicants with a funded English language programme and undergraduate or taught postgraduate degree, plus a bursary.

This strengthens the University’s overall package of financial support to help asylum seekers access education, with 43 different awards provided in the past four years.

Find out more on the Sanctuary Scholarships webpage.

War and Climate Studentship

 A PhD studentship for a project exploring the impact of war on climate change will also be offered at Reading in 2025, committing funding to these major issues confronting the world.

The studentship will be open to students in all subjects at the University and will commence in September 2025. It will include four years of funding (or part time equivalent), a living allowance, and a research training support grant.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “At the University of Reading, we believe education is a fundamental human right that transcends borders and individual circumstances.

“This is why we are committed to providing scholarships that offer sanctuary seekers an opportunity to pursue academic excellence and rebuild their lives after being forced to flee their home. By supporting sanctuary seekers, we not only transform individual futures but also enrich our campus community with diverse perspectives and lived experiences, creating a greater sense of compassion and understanding.”

The University of Reading is acknowledged as a University of Sanctuary. Universities of Sanctuary are recognised for their ‘commitment to creating a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, their campuses’. The University of Reading is proud to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary and places great value upon the contribution of sanctuary seekers to its institutional life.