Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The University of Westminster Asylum Seeker Scholarship is a targeted financial award designed to remove barriers to postgraduate education for individuals navigating the UK asylum system. Unlike conventional scholarships, this program recognises that asylum seekers and those with limited or discretionary leave to remain cannot access standard Student Finance loans, creating a significant funding gap for talented individuals seeking to advance their education.
The scholarship provides comprehensive support: a full tuition fee waiver covering the entire cost of your master’s programme, plus a monthly maintenance payment of £1,000 for up to 12 months. This structure ensures recipients can focus on their studies without the financial pressure that often forces asylum seekers to choose between education and immediate survival needs.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The funding package is straightforward and designed to address the two biggest costs facing postgraduate students:
- Full tuition fee waiver: Covers 100% of your course fees for the duration of your master’s programme
- Monthly stipend: £1,000 per month for up to 12 months, paid to support living costs including accommodation, food, transport and study materials
This combination makes it one of the more comprehensive scholarship packages available specifically for students with asylum-related immigration status in the UK.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy every criterion below. The University of Westminster applies these requirements strictly, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Academic Requirements
- Hold a confirmed offer from the University of Westminster for a full-time master’s course starting in January 2027
- Not already hold a master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification
Residence and Immigration Status
- Be currently resident in the United Kingdom
- Hold one of the following immigration statuses before submitting your application:
- 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)
Exclusions
You cannot apply if any of the following apply:
- You are eligible to receive taught postgraduate student loans from Student Finance
- You are applying for a Postgraduate Diploma (rather than a full master’s degree)
- You are applying for a professional course such as RIBA Part III, ACCA, CIMA, or CILEx
- You are applying for a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law
- You are applying for an Integrated Masters, MPhil, or research degree
Application Process
The application process is document-based and requires careful preparation. Follow these steps:
- Secure your course offer first: Apply to and receive an unconditional or conditional offer for a full-time master’s programme starting January 2027 at the University of Westminster. You cannot submit a scholarship application without this.
- Download the application form: Obtain the official scholarship application form (PDF, 446.67 KB) from the University of Westminster scholarships webpage.
- Complete all sections: Fill out the form accurately, ensuring all personal details match your immigration documents.
- Prepare required evidence: Gather documentation proving your immigration status and any other requested materials.
- Submit by email: Return your completed application form with all required evidence as PDF attachments to scholarships@westminster.ac.uk.
- Meet the deadline: Submit by Monday 2 November 2026 at 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered.
Selection and Award
Only two scholarships are available for the January 2027 intake. This makes the award highly competitive. The selection panel will assess applications based on:
- Academic merit and potential
- The strength of your personal statement and demonstrated need
- How your chosen course aligns with your future goals
- Evidence of commitment to completing the programme
Given the limited number of awards, applicants should ensure their application is comprehensive, well-documented, and submitted well before the deadline.
Important Considerations for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region who are currently in the UK asylum system, this scholarship represents a rare opportunity to continue education without requiring international student fees or overseas travel. Key points to note:
- You must already be physically present in the UK with the qualifying immigration status—this is not a scholarship you can apply for from outside the country
- The January 2027 start date means you have a specific window to secure your course offer and scholarship application
- The £1,000 monthly stipend, while helpful, will require careful budgeting in London or other UK locations where Westminster operates
- If your asylum case is ongoing, consider how your immigration status might change during your studies and whether this affects your eligibility
Key Dates
| Scholarship deadline | 2 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Course start date | January 2027 |
| Number of awards | 2 |
Contact and Further Information
For questions about the scholarship or application process, contact the University of Westminster Scholarships Office via email at scholarships@westminster.ac.uk. For course-specific enquiries, contact the relevant academic department directly.
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
