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University scholarship for refugees renewed
The University of Bristol has announced that its Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme will run for a second year, following a successful pilot.
The scheme offers support towards costs of full and part-time, undergraduate and post graduate degrees for refugees and asylum seekers in a bid to break down the barriers they face in accessing higher education.
It is hoped its continuation will enhance opportunities for people from refugee and asylum seeking communities. In 2016, 130 people applied for just ten places.
is needed now More than ever
One of the recipients was Abdul*, who came to the UK six years ago as an asylum seeker, fleeing fighting in his home country. “Before the course, I was driving taxis,” he says. “I had a bachelor’s degree and I was applying for my second master’s degree, but the diplomas weren’t recognised by employers. They were just pieces of paper. I couldn’t get a good job – all I could do was low-skilled work.
“I was a taxi driver with no hope, spending my days picking up people who were suited and booted, dreaming of becoming one of them – working for a big company and being taken in taxis to meetings and the airport. When the University of Bristol announced the wonderful news to me that I would get the scholarship, it completely changed my life. It reshuffled the equation.”
Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, says he is delighted to see the scholarship running for another year. “I am sure we will again have applications from many excellent prospective students,” he said. “We know there are factors that make it difficult for people from refugee and asylum-seeking communities to apply to university. Their previous studies may have been interrupted, they might not have evidence of their previous qualifications or their qualifications are not transferable. Our scheme has been designed to accommodate these factors and encourage them to apply.”
Both full scholarships, for those with no financial support from the UK Government, and partial scholarships for those who can access government support, are available. Both will helping students to cover the costs of living and their tuition fees while they study full-time.
“Education is the way forward for any refugee who wants to integrate in society in a better way and raise their social standing,” Abdul says. He has now finished his master’s degree in International Security, and has been offered a PhD in the same department, allowing him to continue his studies. “It’s a year that has changed everything for me. It’s a huge step, and a wonderful step.”
Bristol has been awarded City of Sanctuary status, and this is just one of the many initiatives and programmes in place around the city to improve the lives of people seeking a home in Bristol.
*Name has been changed to protect his identity.
For full information and how to apply go to: www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/awards/sanctuary-scholarship/
Read more: Bristol Uni launches refugee scholarship
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