Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The University of Westminster Asylum Seeker Scholarship is a targeted funding opportunity designed to remove financial barriers for displaced students who have established residence in the United Kingdom. This award recognises the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers who are often ineligible for standard student finance but possess the academic potential to succeed at postgraduate level.
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region who have sought asylum in the UK, this scholarship represents a rare pathway to complete a master’s degree without tuition debt or living cost concerns. The funding structure addresses both academic fees and essential monthly expenses, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies.
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Funding Package
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support comprising two elements:
- Full tuition fee waiver: Complete coverage of course fees for the duration of the master’s programme
- Monthly maintenance: £1,000 per month for up to 12 months to support living costs including accommodation, food, transport and study materials
This combined package ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from accessing postgraduate education. The monthly payment schedule helps recipients manage ongoing expenses throughout their studies.
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Eligible Courses
The scholarship applies to full-time master’s degrees starting in January 2027. However, several course types are explicitly excluded from funding:
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Professional courses (including RIBA Part III, ACCA, CIMA, CILEX)
- Conversion courses (such as Graduate Diploma in Law)
- Integrated Masters programmes
- MPhil degrees
Applicants should verify their specific course qualifies before submitting an application. The January 2027 start date is mandatory—September entrants or deferred places are not eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must satisfy every criterion below. Partial compliance results in automatic disqualification.
Academic Requirements
- Hold a firm offer from the University of Westminster for a full-time master’s course commencing January 2027
- Not already hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification
Residence and Immigration Status
- Be currently resident in the United Kingdom
- Hold one of the following immigration statuses before application submission:
- UK asylum seeker
- UK discretionary leave to remain (as a result of an asylum application)
- UK limited leave to remain (as a result of an asylum application)
Financial Exclusions
Applicants who are eligible for taught postgraduate student loans from Student Finance England (or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) cannot receive this scholarship. This exclusion ensures limited funds reach those with no alternative support.
Application Process
The application follows a specific submission protocol. Deviation from these steps may invalidate your application.
- Secure course admission: Apply separately to the University of Westminster and obtain an unconditional or conditional offer for a January 2027 full-time master’s programme
- Download application form: Obtain the scholarship application form (PDF, 446.67 KB) from the official University of Westminster scholarships webpage
- Complete all sections: Fill in every required field with accurate information matching your immigration documents and course offer
- Compile evidence: Gather required supporting documentation as specified in the form
- Submit by deadline: Email your completed application form and all evidence as PDF attachments to scholarships@westminster.ac.uk before 17:00 GMT on 2 November 2026
Late submissions, incomplete applications, or documents sent in non-PDF formats will not be considered.
Required Documents
While the research specifies evidence is required, applicants should prepare documentation typically including:
- Proof of University of Westminster course offer for January 2027
- Evidence of current UK residence
- Official documentation confirming eligible immigration status (asylum seeker, discretionary leave to remain, or limited leave to remain)
- Evidence that you are ineligible for Student Finance postgraduate loans
- Any additional documents specified in the application form
All documents must be submitted as PDF attachments in a single email.
Selection and Notification
The scholarship is highly competitive with only two awards available. The selection panel evaluates candidates based on academic merit, the strength of their course application, and demonstrated need given their asylum circumstances.
Successful applicants will be notified following the deadline. Unsuccessful candidates will not receive individual feedback due to application volume.
Practical Considerations for SADC Applicants
For Zimbabwean and other SADC nationals who have claimed asylum in the UK, this scholarship offers distinct advantages over standard funding routes:
- No requirement for UK settled status or citizenship
- No dependency on credit history or UK guarantors
- Maintenance payments structured for UK living costs
- Westminster’s central London location provides access to diaspora networks and potential employment opportunities post-study
However, applicants should note that asylum status can be complex. Ensure your leave to remain documentation remains valid through your intended study period, as scholarship continuation typically requires maintained eligibility.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 2 November 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Course start: January 2027
- Funding duration: Up to 12 months from course commencement
Applicants are strongly advised to secure their course offer well before the scholarship deadline to allow time for document preparation.
Official scholarship page: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate-sanctuary-scholarship
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
