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Refugees

Support for applying to higher Education

If you're applying to higher education and you're a refugee, asylum seeker or have limited leave to remain in the UK there may be support available to help you with finance and your studies.

It's a good idea to contact course providers before you apply, to discuss if they can offer you support, and what this might be. 

This will depend on your circumstances, and you will need to let them know your refugee status. 

The UCAS website has lots more advice on student finance for refugees. UCAS has introduced a new section in the application so you can share more information about your circumstances with the university or college – including whether you are a refugee, asylum seeker or have limited leave to remain in the UK. This information means the university or college will be able to connect you to the right support for your needs quickly and easily and ensure you have all the information you need.

If you need further information or advice about higher education study as a refugee or asylum seeker, the following organisations can help:

Refugee Education UK offers support services to help you overcome any challenges you may face, along with useful resources. Its frequently asked questions are great starting points for refugees and asylum seekers considering applying to university.

Read a blog article by Refugee Education UK, outlining the challenges faced by one student who is an asylum seeker, and the support he has received going to university in the UK.

Student Action for Refugees (STAR) campaigns for equal access to higher education for refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. You can find information about access to university on the STAR website, including a list of scholarships available in the UK, guidance for applying, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

UKCISA can help you understand more about tuition fee status in different parts of the UK, as well as other issues related to immigration and education.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free legal information, advice, and representation to children, and their families or carers. It can help if you are unclear about your immigration status or need legal advice.

We Belong works with young migrants to achieve better outcomes and remove barriers to success – including in education.

Displaced students offers study opportunities to support refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK to access university.

UCAS has information supporting students interested in university

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