Amount
Covers tuition
Country
United Kingdom
Level
Bachelor's, Master's
Deadline
Deadline not confirmed
How to apply
You apply on the official website. ScholarPal doesn't take applications.
- Check that you can apply: who the award is for and which level of study it covers.
- Prepare what the official page asks for. This is often a transcript, a passport or ID, and a CV or personal statement.
- On the official website, find the Apply or Application link and follow the steps there.
When: No date yet
About this scholarship
UK university scholarship for refugees and asylum seekers at Birkbeck (Greater London).
More
Fee waiver Financial support to cover costs such as transport, childare and books
Who can apply
- You must live in: United Kingdom
What it takes to get there
Student visa
- Money you must show: about £1,171 a month (£1,529 in London). official source
You must show it for 9 months.
This award does not say it covers living costs. You must show this money yourself.
A scholarship or sponsor letter can count as proof.
- Visa fee: £558. official source
- Health charge: £776 a year. official source
- Decision: about 3 weeks. official source
- From Gaza: the government says it will try to help eligible students leave. The scholarship must cover both course fees and living costs. The government says leaving cannot be guaranteed. This award does not say it covers living costs. So it may not qualify for this support. official source
- Work after you graduate: yes. official source
Visa facts checked on 2026-09-27.
Rules change, so check the official page before you pay or book.
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From the provider
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The Compass Sanctuary Scholarship provides opportunities into higher education for people from a forced migrant background through offering the chance to study a university-level programme at Birkbeck. Birkbeck is committed to supporting those who have taken a less traditional route into higher education and this scholarship is aimed at helping those who may face difficulty in accessing other educational opportunities due to lack of previous academic documentation, or for those who have been out of education for a long period of time. The scholarship Birkbeck sponsors a limited number of students a year under the Sanctuary Scholarship Programme. Students may apply for funding for either a certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate course at Birkbeck. It is a competitive scholarship and we do receive more applications than available places. Successful applicants will receive: a full tuition fee waiver for their choice of programme additional financial support to cover costs such as transport, childcare and books please note that the scholarship does not include accommodation . Eligibility The Compass Project offers opportunities to forced migrants who would not otherwise be able to access university-level education elsewhere. We therefore prioritise applicants who meet the following criteria: those who have not previously studied a degree at a UK institution those who have been out of formal education (including secondary education) for more than five years. In addition to this you must have (and be able to evidence) the following: you must be a person who is currently seeking asylum in the UK or hold one of the following statuses as a result of an asylum claim: Limited Leave to Remain or Discretionary Leave to Remain or Refugee or Humanitarian Protection you must be resident in the UK you must not be eligible to receive student finance you have applied to and been offered a place on a Birkbeck course that is permissible under the Compass Sanctuary Scholarship Please note that if you have Refugee status you may be eligible for the Bonnart Trust Sanctuary Scholarship Eligibility course types We offer scholarships for the following types of degree programmes: Certificate of Higher Education or Graduate Certificate (full-time or part-time) Undergraduate degree (part-time) Postgraduate degree (part-time) You must apply for a degree programme that starts in October 2026. You must be applying to study on a Birkbeck programme that is based at our Bloomsbury campus in London (this includes programmes delivered online). How to apply Applications for the 2026/27 year are now closed. Find a course Search Come and meet us Order a Prospectus Quicklinks Study here Find a course Find us Support us Come and meet us Contact us Call us: +44 (0)20 3926 3926 Staff profiles Press office Library IT Services Jobs Professional services Room hire Students Research Businesses Alumni Staff About us BBK magazine Courses disclaimer Equality and diversity Modern slavery statement Freedom of information Governance Our story Mission Term dates Social media @BirkbeckUoL on X Birkbeck on TikTok BirkbeckVideo on YouTube BirkbeckUni on Instagram Birkbeck on Facebook Birkbeck on LinkedIn Accreditations Additional information Our use of cookies Privacy Terms and conditions Site A-Z Accessibility statement
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