Scholarship Name: Sanctuary Scholarship 2026-27
Institution: King’s College London
Funding Type: Bursary and Tuition Fee
Programme Requirement: In-person, one-year course starting in September 2026
Opening Date: Monday 2 February 2026, 10am UK time
Closing Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026, 10am UK time
The Sanctuary Scholarship 2026-27 at King’s College London offers financial and academic support to students with a background of forced displacement. According to the page, the scholarship is open to asylum seekers, people with limited leave to remain in the UK due to an asylum claim, and individuals who are at immediate risk from, or displaced by, existing or recent conflicts in the UK or abroad.
About the Scholarship
King’s College London states that the scholarship will support up to 12 students who are based either in the UK or abroad. One award is reserved in memory of Dr Maisara Alrayyes. Another award, funded by Bseisu Foundation, is reserved for a citizen of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, or Syria who has successfully applied to a one-year Master’s in a STEM subject.
Applicants must have applied to an in-person, one-year programme at King’s beginning in September 2026. The page also directs applicants to the FAQ for more information on additional eligibility requirements.
Funding and Support
✓ Academic fee waiver
✓ Cost of living stipend of up to £20,000
✓ Additional support for successful applicants following a needs assessment
The page notes that individual funding allocations will be confirmed in writing to each successful applicant. It also warns that, for applicants receiving Home Office Asylum support or legal aid, the scholarship stipend may affect that support.
Who Can Apply
• Asylum seekers can apply
• Individuals with limited leave to remain in the UK due to an asylum claim can apply
• Those at immediate risk from, or displaced by, existing or recent conflicts in the UK or abroad can apply
• Applicants must have applied to an in-person, one-year programme at King’s starting in September 2026
How to Apply
The application process has two stages. Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and then send supporting documents by email.
The page also includes an update from April 2026 for applicants seeking an application fee waiver. It says that they must complete the application fee waiver form by Thursday 30 April and should not email the Admissions team directly. It also states that applying for the scholarship does not guarantee that a fee waiver will be approved, because each request is reviewed individually by the Admissions team.
Scholarship Conditions
• Scholarship offers must be accepted within 10 days
• Awards depend on continued eligibility, including visa status and admission to the selected programme
• Application data may be shared with relevant departments for assessment and support purposes
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are assessed on eligibility, completeness, and the quality of responses to the personal statement questions. The page states that outcomes will be communicated by email on Monday 6 July 2026.
Important Dates
• Applications open on Monday 2 February 2026 at 10am UK time
• Applications close on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 10am UK time
• Decisions are communicated on Monday 6 July 2026
