The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has introduced a Scholarship scheme for sanctuary seekers.  The Sanctuary Scholarships are aimed at people with refugee, humanitarian protected or asylum seeker status and are offered in recognition of the disruption to education that displaced people experience.

UWTSD is committed to removing the barriers to participation in Higher Education faced by those seeking asylum in the UK and supports the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary – Refugee and Asylum Seeker Plan, which is the latest step towards Wales’s ambition to become a nation of sanctuary for all who choose to make it their home.

Swansea has been a City of Sanctuary for 11 years and UWTSD has a long record of working with refugees and asylum seekers through its collaborative partnership with The Swansea City of Sanctuary Group, delivering workshops and support in local communities.

The University is currently applying for University of Sanctuary status which will enable refugees and asylum seekers to access free education and support during their studies.

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD said:

“The University is pleased to support the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary Plan by increasing opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers to access further and higher education. Our Sanctuary Scholarship scheme is the first step in our journey that aims to encourage participation in our programmes and ensure that we create a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, our campuses.  UWTSD is committed to promoting inclusivity and tackling social and economic inequalities by ensuring that everyone who is able to benefit from education has the opportunity to do.”

Rhys Dart, Director of Student Services said:

“The University’s Scholarship Scheme enables us to provide a funded place for eligible students and to provide a package of support to enable them to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.  Our processes also aim to recognise and evaluate previous qualifications against the UK’s qualifications framework as many of those who seek refuge are often highly qualified and skilled people who can, and do, make a valuable contribution to our society.”

Julie James, Member of the Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament for Swansea West said:

“I am delighted that the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has announced their Sanctuary Scholarship which will allow access to the University and support for students with UK asylum-seeking or refugee status.

“The scholarships will provide a tuition fee waiver and additional support for study. This will give so many people an opportunity to continue education when they settle in Swansea which has been a City of Sanctuary for over 11 years. UWTSD has a long record of working with refugees and asylum seekers, this scholarship will enable refugees and asylum seekers to access free education and support during their studies.”

With more people than ever being forced to flee conflict and persecution around the world, the Universities of Sanctuary scheme was established in 2017 by City of Sanctuary, a national charity which works to provide places of safety for all.

City of Sanctuary has partnered with Article 26 – a project aimed at supporting students who have sought sanctuary in the UK to access and succeed in higher education – Student Action for Refugees and other organisations to develop the Universities of Sanctuary network.

The aim of the scheme is to inspire and support universities to adopt a culture and practice of welcome within their own institutions, in their wider communities, and across the UK Higher Education sector.