The Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for refugees, asylum seekers, and those under humanitarian protection to pursue a Master’s degree at Imperial College London starting in Autumn 2026. The scholarship covers full tuition, a £22,000 living stipend for one year, and a £1,500 equipment grant to support academic needs.
This scholarship is available for one-year full-time or two-year part-time Master’s programmes across the Imperial Business School, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication. It is not available for MBA programmes or online degrees, ensuring recipients can focus fully on their studies and professional growth.
Benefits
- Tuition fees paid in full (Home or Overseas rate)
- Stipend for living costs equating to £22,000 per annum
- £1,500 equipment grant for the purchase of a laptop or other educational equipment
- Costs pertaining to | English language proficiency test exam fee (if English language is required as part of the offer of admission), visa application (if applicable) and NHS surcharge.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award you must:
- Have applied to study and received an offer for an eligible Master’s programme (see below) starting in Autumn 2026 by the deadline of 11:59pm (UK time) on Friday 24th April 2026.
- Have completed the Sanctuary Scholarship application form by the deadline of 11:59pm (UK time) on Friday 24th April 2026.
- Fall into one of the following immigration status groups
- A refugee – a person who has been granted refugee status either in the UK or in another country
- A person who has been granted humanitarian protection or some other form of protective leave to remain in the UK (including a Ukrainian Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme or Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme visa)
- An asylum seeker – a person who has made a claim within the UK for refugee status
Eligible Master’s courses
As well as the above criteria, you must also apply for an eligible course:
- One-year full-time or two-year part-time Master’s course in the Imperial Business School, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Centre for Culture, Languages and Communication
Courses that are not eligible
- Online/distance learning courses
- Imperial Business School MBA programmes
- MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering in the Dyson School of Design Engineering
Please note: This scholarship is not available to continuing students.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement assesses your suitability for the Sanctuary Scholarship. You will be asked to address the following:
- Why have you chosen to study at Imperial College London?
- How do you feel the Sanctuary Scholarship would help you achieve your ambitions for the future?
- Explain your personal situation and the barriers you have faced in continuing your education with reference to your current status in the UK.
- Details of your financial circumstances. If you have attended school/college since coming to the UK, how have you supported your studies? Will you have any other means to financially support yourself at College other than this scholarship?
How to Apply?
- Apply for an eligible Master’s course at Imperial College London and receive an offer for Autumn 2026 entry before the deadline of 24 April 2026.
- Create an online account on Imperial’s application portal and complete your Master’s programme application.
- Fill out the Sanctuary Scholarship application form with your personal details and immigration status before the deadline.
- Upload proof of your immigration status or provide an explanation if documentation is unavailable.
- Write a personal statement outlining why you chose Imperial College London, how the scholarship will support your goals, and any challenges you’ve faced in continuing your education.
- Ensure all sections of the scholarship application are fully completed and submitted before the deadline.
- Wait for the outcome notification, which will be communicated by 30 June 2026.
- Prepare for study if successful by following Imperial College London’s instructions regarding registration and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for refugees, asylum seekers, or those with humanitarian protection to pursue eligible Master’s courses in Autumn 2026, covering tuition, stipend, equipment, and essential costs.
Who is eligible for the Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is for refugees, asylum seekers, or those with humanitarian protection in the UK. Applicants must have an offer for an eligible Master’s programme starting in Autumn 2026. This ensures financial support reaches protected or displaced students.
What financial support does the Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 provide?
Recipients receive full tuition coverage, a £22,000 annual living stipend, a £1,500 equipment grant, and additional support for visa, English test, and NHS surcharge costs. This fully funded package removes financial barriers for eligible students.
Which Master’s courses are eligible for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
Eligible courses include one-year full-time or two-year part-time Master’s in Business, Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, or the Centre for Languages, Culture, and Communication. The scholarship is not available for MBA or online programmes.
Can international students apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
Yes, but applicants must hold one of the eligible immigration statuses: refugee, asylum seeker, or have humanitarian protection in the UK. The scholarship is specifically designed to support displaced or protected students pursuing a Master’s at Imperial College London.
How many Sanctuary Scholarships are offered for 2026?
There is only one Sanctuary Scholarship available for the 2026-27 academic year. This competitive award provides complete financial support to a deserving student from a protected or displaced background.
What expenses are covered by the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship covers tuition fees at Home or Overseas rate, a £22,000 annual stipend, a £1,500 equipment grant, English test fees if required, visa application costs if applicable, and the NHS surcharge, ensuring students focus on academics without financial stress.
When is the application deadline for the Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must submit their scholarship application by 11:59 pm (UK time) on Friday 24 April 2026. Timely submission ensures consideration for this highly competitive and fully funded scholarship opportunity.
Do I need to pay any application fee for the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
No, there is no separate application fee for the Sanctuary Scholarship. Candidates only need to complete the scholarship form and have an offer for an eligible Master’s programme before the deadline.
How do I apply for the Imperial College London Sanctuary Scholarship 2026?
Applicants should first receive an offer for an eligible Master’s programme, then complete the Sanctuary Scholarship application form by the stated deadline. All required documents must be submitted accurately to ensure eligibility for review.
Can I apply if I am pursuing an MBA or online course at Imperial College London?
No, the Sanctuary Scholarship 2026 is not available for MBA or online courses. Only one-year full-time or two-year part-time Master’s programmes in the eligible faculties are considered for this fully funded opportunity.
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