The Asylum Seeker Scholarship 2026 offered by the University of Strathclyde provides vital financial support for asylum seekers and individuals living in the United Kingdom on humanitarian grounds who wish to pursue higher education.
Created in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde Students’ Association, the Scottish Refugee Council, and the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, the scholarship helps remove financial barriers that often prevent asylum seekers from accessing university education.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides an additional £2,000 study allowance to support essential academic costs such as books, equipment, and local travel. It is open to eligible students who want to study an undergraduate or taught postgraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde starting in September 2026.
This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equal access to education, ensuring that students with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds have the opportunity to build their academic and professional futures.
Asylum Seeker Scholarship 2026 – Summary Table
| Scholarship Name | Asylum Seeker Scholarship |
| Host University | University of Strathclyde |
| Study Level | Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught |
| Scholarship Value | Full Tuition Fees + £2,000 Study Allowance |
| Number of Scholarships | Variable |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition, Equipment, Study Costs, Local Travel |
| Duration | Entire course duration or until eligible for government funding |
| Application Opens | 9 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 May 2026 |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Location Requirement | Must reside in or have accommodation in Glasgow |
About the Asylum Seeker Scholarship
The Asylum Seeker Scholarship was established to ensure that individuals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom are not excluded from higher education because of financial challenges.
The program is administered by the University of Strathclyde, a leading UK university located in Glasgow, Scotland. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Scottish Refugee Council, the scholarship provides meaningful support to students facing legal and financial barriers while waiting for decisions regarding their immigration status.
The scholarship is available for students enrolling in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught programs, enabling them to study in a wide range of academic disciplines.
This initiative plays a key role in supporting educational inclusion and giving asylum seekers the opportunity to build skills, pursue careers, and contribute positively to society.
Scholarship Benefits
Students selected for the Asylum Seeker Scholarship will receive several forms of financial support.
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers the entire tuition cost of the chosen undergraduate or postgraduate taught course.
- £2,000 Study Allowance: Each successful student receives a £2,000 study grant to cover essential academic costs, including:
- Books and learning materials
- Laptop or study equipment
- Course-related supplies
- Local bus or train pass within Glasgow
- Long-Term Financial Support: The scholarship will support students for the full duration of their academic program, unless certain conditions change.
Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship will normally be awarded for the entire length of the student’s course.
However, the funding may stop if:
- The student withdraws from the course
- The student completes the course
- The student’s immigration or asylum status changes
- The student becomes eligible for government student funding
In such cases, tuition support may transition to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or other national student finance systems.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Asylum Seeker Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Admission Offer
Applicants must have a conditional or unconditional offer to study an undergraduate or postgraduate taught program (except the MBA) at the University of Strathclyde for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Asylum or Humanitarian Status
must:
- Have applied for refugee status under the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees, or
- Be a dependent of someone who has applied, and are awaiting a decision from the UK Home Office, or
- Have leave to remain under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Residence Requirement
must:
- Be living in the Glasgow area, or
- Provide proof of suitable accommodation in Glasgow
- Residency Duration
Applicants must have been living in the UK since 1 August before the start of their course.
- Program Type
The scholarship only supports:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate taught programs
Research programs are not eligible.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applicants will not be eligible if they:
- Live outside the United Kingdom
- Plan to travel to the UK solely to apply for the scholarship
- Are not enrolled in an undergraduate or taught postgraduate program
- Receive no support from the Home Office for living costs
- Are applying for online or research programs
It is also important to note that the scholarship does not cover housing or general living expenses.
Eligible Study Fields
Students applying for the Asylum Seeker Scholarship can study in a wide range of subjects, including:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Biomedical Science
- Law
- International Relations
- Marketing
- Economics
- Environmental Engineering
- Psychology
- Journalism
- Renewable Energy
- Software Engineering
- Social Work
The scholarship supports many undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines offered by the University of Strathclyde.
Special Note for Young Asylum Seekers
Students who were under 18 when their parent or guardian applied for asylum, or who were unaccompanied minors, may qualify for tuition support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
For guidance, students should contact the Student Money Support Team at:
studentmoney@strath.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the scholarship application form directly to the university.
Application Steps
- Download the Asylum Seeker Scholarship application form
- To download the form, click on the link above, scroll down and click on the application form under ” How to apply.
- Complete the form with accurate details
- Attach required documents
- Submit the completed form via email
Email submission:
asylum-scholarship@strath.ac.uk
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Scholarship Opens | 9 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 May 2026 |
| Course Start | September 2026 |
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow enough time for document processing.
FAQs
Is the Asylum Seeker Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Asylum Seeker Scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a £2,000 study allowance.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No. The scholarship does not cover housing or general living expenses, but it does include a study allowance for academic materials and local travel.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must be asylum seekers or individuals with humanitarian leave to remain in the UK and must hold an offer from the University of Strathclyde.
Can international students outside the UK apply?
No. Applicants must already be residing in the United Kingdom.
Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.
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