Sanctuary - Global partnerships and study abroad - University of St ...

A celebration event was held in March 2020 to officially award University of Sanctuary status to St Andrews. There are three guiding principles that underpin the commitment to becoming a University of Sanctuary. These principles align closely with the values of the University of St Andrews, as our Principal, Prof Dame Sally Mapstone notes: “The concept of sanctuary resonates deeply, embodying a profound sense of refuge, protection, and inclusivity. It speaks to our collective social responsibility to safeguard the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of background, status and circumstance. When St Andrews became the second University of Sanctuary in Scotland in 2019, it marked a significant milestone in our institution’s journey towards fostering a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for scholars and students seeking sanctuary within the UK. We recognize the transformative power that education has in overcoming adversity and building brighter futures for individuals and communities alike.” The three guiding principles are: Learn : learning about what it means to be seeking sanctuary, both in general (for the community in which the university is situated), and specifically (in the context of HE and the campus environment). Embed : taking positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within the institution including, but not limited to, the student body, students' union, departments, faculties, senior management, administrative and campus management staff. To take steps to ensure this progress outlasts the current student population. Share : sharing vision, achievements, what we have learned, and good practice with other universities, the local community and beyond. Find out more about the University of Sanctuary Award Sanctuary Scholarships The St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship supports undergraduate and postgraduate applicants who are seeking sanctuary in the UK. At University of St Andrews, asylum seeker applicants are classed for Home fee status. Sanctuary scholarship St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, and to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in our community. The University is pleased to offer a Sanctuary Scholarship, specifically designed to support undergraduate and postgraduate applicants who are seeking sanctuary in the UK. Up to 10 scholarships are available for UG, PGT and PGR. Applicants interested in applying can find more information on the Sanctuary Scholarship page . Online Sanctuary Scholarship for MSc TESOL This award covers all tuition costs for an online MSc TESOL programme (including MSc TESOL with a specialism) at the University of St Andrews. More information can be found on our scholarships pages . Open all Milestones September 2019: University of St Andrews became a University of Sanctuary. November 2019: Sanctuary Operation group was created. March 2020: A celebration event was held to award University of Sanctuary status to St Andrews. September 2020: University of St Andrews welcomed first cohort of Sanctuary Scholarship students. September 2021: University of St Andrews offered a new long-distance learning Sanctuary scholarship for MSc TESOL. October 2021: Sanctuary led a SaintsFunder campaign to host an academic from Afghanistan and their dependents. The campaign raised £10,930. 2022: University of St Andrews started Twinning program with Ostroh Academy-Ukraine . 2022: University of St Andrews hosted five Ukrainian scholars. March 2022: University of St Andrews organised Sanctuary celebration week . October 2023: University of St Andrews created a new dedicated position to support Sanctuary scholars, engagement and initiatives. October 2024: University of St Andrews hosted CARA information session. March 2025: University of St Andrews celebrated five years of Sanctuary. Support Students can find more information on what to do once you arrive in St Andrews. Current students who have been awarded a Uni…