Fully Funded PhD at Loughborough University as a Refugee or Asylum Seeker – APPLY NOW

Are you an asylum seeker, a refugee, or someone currently under humanitarian protection who dreams of pursuing a fully funded PhD program in the UK? The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 offers a powerful opportunity for individuals facing displacement, war, or persecution to advance their academic careers in a safe, inclusive and globally respected institution.

This initiative is designed not just to support academic excellence, but to provide a lifeline for scholars who are most in need – those who have been uprooted by crisis and are looking for stability, community and a platform to contribute meaningfully to research and innovation. The Sanctuary Scholarship is a bridge between a challenging past and a promising future, backed by one of the UK’s top universities.

Offered at both Loughborough’s main campus in the East Midlands and its dynamic London campus, this fully funded PhD scholarship removes the financial burden that often prevents displaced individuals from continuing their studies. It covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a substantial annual stipend for living expenses, set at the current UKRI rate of £19,237 per year. This scholarship isn’t just a financial award – it’s a statement of support, solidarity and empowerment.

It enables qualified scholars to immerse themselves in research, pursue personal academic passions and build long-term career prospects without the constant worry of funding or immigration insecurity. For many, this isn’t just an academic opportunity – it’s a second chance at life.

In an era where global displacement is at an all-time high, Loughborough University stands out as a beacon of hope and academic refuge. The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship is intentionally structured to reach those who are too often excluded from higher education due to their legal or humanitarian status. Whether you’re currently in the UK, seeking sanctuary, or still residing abroad but under any of the eligible immigration categories, this scholarship opens the door to academic and personal transformation.

It caters to the unique needs of individuals with uncertain immigration statuses and provides flexible study options including part-time formats for applicants with caregiving or other critical responsibilities.

What makes this scholarship especially unique is that it’s not restricted to a single field of study. Scholars are encouraged to apply to any subject area available at Loughborough University, from engineering, design and health sciences to social sciences, education, arts and business. The freedom to choose your area of specialization ensures that your research can align with both your passions and the most pressing global challenges.

If you are a high-achieving individual with a drive for academic inquiry and a story shaped by resilience, the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to turn your experiences into groundbreaking research.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and higher education plays a critical role in addressing global crises, universities like Loughborough are stepping up to ensure no one is left behind. The Sanctuary PhD Scholarship not only recognizes the academic potential of displaced individuals but actively invests in it. It signals a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion and global responsibility.

With the application deadline set for 23 June 2025, now is the time to begin preparing your application, securing your PhD offer and taking that bold step toward a brighter academic and professional future in the United Kingdom.

Degree Level

The Sanctuary PhD Scholarship is open to applicants who wish to undertake PhD-level studies at Loughborough University. This scholarship applies to all disciplines and research areas, giving candidates the flexibility to choose a field of study aligned with their academic background and passion.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship is awarded for a three-year duration for full-time study.

However, flexibility is built into the programme. Scholars who require part-time study options, especially those with caring responsibilities or other life circumstances, are also welcome to apply. These arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Fields of Study

One of the most appealing aspects of this scholarship is its open-subject structure. In other words, it applies to all academic subjects offered by Loughborough University.

Whether your research interests lie in engineering, health sciences, humanities, arts, business, technology, education, social sciences, or environmental studies, this scholarship supports your academic journey. You are free to propose your area of study during your PhD application process.

Scholarship Benefits – What You’ll Receive

The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 offers a package of comprehensive financial and academic support designed to remove barriers for individuals seeking sanctuary. Here’s what you’ll get:

Full Tuition Fee Waiver

Recipients will have 100% of their tuition fees paid for the entire length of their PhD programme. This alone saves students tens of thousands of pounds.

Full Living Cost Support (Bursary)

Scholars will receive an annual stipend of £19,237, aligned with the UKRI’s recommended doctoral stipend level. This bursary is meant to cover accommodation, food, transport, books and general living expenses and it is payable for the entire three-year duration of the full-time PhD.

Please note: The bursary may be subject to annual adjustments in line with inflation or UKRI policy changes.

This funding support empowers students to focus entirely on their research, free from financial stress.

Who Can Apply? – Eligible Nationalities & Immigration Statuses

The Loughborough Sanctuary PhD Scholarship is not restricted by nationality. Instead, it is open to applicants from all countries, provided they meet one of the immigration or sanctuary status categories listed below.

You are eligible if you fall under one of the following:

• Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have lodged an asylum application in the UK and are awaiting a decision.

• Refugees: Those who have been officially granted refugee status by the UK government.

• Humanitarian Protection Status Holders: Individuals who cannot return to their home country due to risk and have been granted temporary protection.

• Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain: Individuals allowed to stay in the UK temporarily for humanitarian or personal reasons.

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Non-citizens who are permanent residents in the UK.

• Ukraine and Afghanistan Resettlement Schemes: Applicants under the special immigration provisions for those affected by conflicts in Ukraine or Afghanistan.

• British National Overseas (BNO) Status Holders: Hong Kong nationals with BNO passports.

• Other Recognized Sanctuary Categories:

  • Calais Leave – Young individuals brought to the UK under humanitarian considerations from Calais refugee camps.

  • Section 67 Leave (Dubs Amendment) – Unaccompanied children at risk transferred to the UK.

  • UASC Leave – Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children granted temporary UK residence.

  • Stateless Leave – Individuals officially recognized as stateless.

Additional Key Notes:

• Applicants can be currently residing in or outside the UK.

• There’s no restriction based on nationality, but you must prove your sanctuary or immigration status.

• Preference will be given to individuals from conflict zones or at-risk backgrounds – such as war-torn regions or areas with political instability or persecution.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is highly competitive and designed to identify exceptional academic talent among sanctuary seekers.

To be eligible, you must meet all the following conditions:

1. Academic Merit

You should have a strong academic background and demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Relevant qualifications at the undergraduate and/or master’s level are expected.

2. PhD Offer from Loughborough University

You must already have a conditional or unconditional offer for a PhD programme at either the Loughborough or London campus. This requires submitting a PhD application to the university before applying for the scholarship.

3. Residency or Circumstance Requirements for Part-Time Applicants

Applicants choosing a part-time study option must:

• Be living in the UK and

• Have legitimate reasons such as caring responsibilities (e.g., children, elderly parents, or others in need of support).

Those with full-time jobs are not eligible for the scholarship, as it is intended to support those with limited access to educational and financial resources.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow these steps to apply for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026:

Step 1: Apply for a PhD Programme

Begin by applying for a PhD programme at Loughborough University. You must choose a research topic and submit your proposal as part of the application process.

Once your application is accepted and you receive either a conditional or unconditional offer, you can proceed to the scholarship stage.

Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application

Next, access the scholarship application form via the official link: Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships

• Fill in all sections of the application form.

• Be sure to provide accurate personal information, your immigration status and a compelling personal statement.

• Submit any additional documents required including your PhD offer letter.

• Submit the application before the deadline.

You will receive a confirmation email once your scholarship application has been successfully submitted.

Step 3: Selection Process

The scholarship operates through a competitive selection process:

• All applications will be reviewed by a panel of academic and admissions staff.

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps, which may include a brief interview or a request for more documents.

• Successful applicants will be notified ahead of the academic intake period (October 2025 or January 2026).

Application Deadline – Mark Your Calendar

Final Date to Apply:

• 23 June 2025

This deadline applies to applicants hoping to start their studies in either:

• October 2025 (Autumn intake), or

• January 2026 (Winter intake)

Late applications will not be accepted, so be sure to plan ahead and prepare your documents early.

Why Study at Loughborough University?

Loughborough University is not just a globally respected research institution – it’s a community of excellence, diversity and innovation. Here’s why you should consider doing your PhD at Loughborough:

• World-Class Research Reputation: Loughborough is consistently ranked among the top UK universities for research quality and impact.

• Two Vibrant Campuses: Choose between the main campus in Leicestershire’s East Midlands or the London campus, which is located in the capital’s innovation and business hub.

• Cutting-Edge Facilities: From modern research labs to collaborative working spaces, students benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure.

• Supportive Environment: Academic supervisors are dedicated to mentoring scholars from diverse backgrounds including those facing challenging life circumstances.

• Career and Development Services: Tailored PhD workshops, publishing support and conference funding ensure you’re prepared for a future in academia, policy, industry, or NGOs.

The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 is more than just a financial aid package – it’s a life-changing opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in a safe, inclusive and empowering academic environment.

Whether you are seeking refuge due to conflict, persecution, or crisis in your home country, this scholarship opens the door to a brighter academic future. With full tuition coverage, a generous annual stipend and the flexibility to study in either London or the East Midlands, Loughborough University is committed to supporting your academic journey and personal growth.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait. Start preparing your application documents now, secure your PhD offer and submit your scholarship application by 23 June 2025.

• For complete details, visit the official call here:
  Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship