The Sanctuary Scholarship (BS) 2026 at Goldsmiths, University of London, supports students from refugee or asylum‑seeking backgrounds who plan to study an undergraduate degree in person at Goldsmiths. This scholarship removes key financial barriers by fully waiving tuition fees, providing an annual living allowance, and offering accommodation support, so scholars can focus fully on their academic progress and personal development without the burden of fee costs.
About the Sanctuary Scholarship (BS)
The Sanctuary Scholarship, formerly known as the International Response Scholarship, is offered by Goldsmiths, University of London, to support students who have refugee status in the UK or an active asylum application. It reflects the university’s commitment to widening participation, promoting educational inclusion, and helping displaced individuals access higher education.
Applicants must already hold an offer to study a full‑time, in‑person undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths to apply for this scholarship. Applicants cannot receive the award for online or distance learning programmes, and they must also be eligible to study in the UK under their current immigration status.
Why Choose The Sanctuary Scholarship (BS)?
This scholarship allows students who have experienced displacement, forced migration, or humanitarian crisis to pursue higher education at one of the UK’s respected universities without the stress of tuition fees or excessive accommodation costs. Goldsmiths is known for its creative, interdisciplinary academic environment and strong support services for students from diverse backgrounds, which help scholars adapt to academic life in the UK.
Sanctuary Scholars also benefit from a financial allowance each year, which can help cover essential living expenses, books, or study‑related costs. The scholarship helps recipients focus on their coursework, community engagement, and long‑term career goals in an inclusive academic community.
Sanctuary Scholarship (BS) Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: Goldsmiths, University of London
- Scholarship Name: Sanctuary Scholarship (formerly International Response Scholarship)
- Study Level: Undergraduate Degrees
- Coverage Includes: A full tuition fee waiver for each year of study, an £8,825 annual allowance, and an accommodation fee paid for a single study bedroom in Goldsmiths halls (up to £200 per week)
- Number of Awards: Up to 4 scholarships per year (two for undergraduate and two for postgraduate taught students)
- Application Deadline: 25 May 2026 (midnight BST)
- Eligible Applicants: Students with refugee status in the UK or an active asylum application, holding an offer for full‑time, in‑person study at Goldsmiths
- Selection Basis: Competitive selection by a scholarship panel considering academic background, personal responses, and circumstances
Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients receive the following benefits each academic year:
- 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of their degree
- A £8,825 annual allowance to help with living costs such as food, transport, and study materials
- Accommodation support covering the cost of a single study bedroom in university halls (up to £200 per week)
- An opportunity to integrate into Goldsmiths’ vibrant student community and pursue academic ambitions without financial stress
- Eligibility support and guidance from university services for scholars who are navigating the UK higher education system for the first time
These benefits help scholars focus on academic achievement and personal development rather than financial hardship.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Have refugee status in the UK or an active asylum application (official documentation required)
- Hold an offer to study a full‑time undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths
- Study in person (online programmes are not eligible)
- Be eligible to study in the UK under their current immigration status (with no conditions preventing study)
- Meet all general Goldsmiths eligibility criteria and scholarship regulations
Applications from Ukrainian applicants seeking refuge under special Home Office arrangements are also considered.
Required Documents
To apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship, prepare the following:
- Proof of refugee status or official documentation of an active asylum application
- Offer letter for the Goldsmiths undergraduate degree programme
- Completed scholarship application form via the official online portal
- Any additional supporting documents requested in the application form (e.g., personal statement or supporting evidence uploads)
Applicants must upload evidence of their status and documentation to their Goldsmiths student account (MyGoldsmiths) as part of the application process.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply:
- Receive an offer of admission to a full‑time undergraduate taught degree at Goldsmiths.
- Prepare supporting documents, including proof of refugee or asylum status.
- Submit the Sanctuary Scholarship application form via the Goldsmiths scholarships page once applications open.
- Applications open on 16 February 2026 and close on 25 May 2026 at midnight BST.
- The scholarship panel reviews all applications and selects recipients based on eligibility and competitive assessment.
- Successful applicants receive official notification and must accept the scholarship and degree offer before enrolment.
