The Sanctuary Scholarship 2026/27 at King’s College London is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity for asylum seekers, individuals with limited leave to remain on asylum grounds, and those displaced by conflict. Covering full tuition fees and providing a generous living stipend of up to £20,000 per year, this scholarship opens doors to a one-year, in-person Postgraduate Taught (PGT) course starting September 2026.
Key Features
– Up to 11 scholarships awarded, including one in memory of Dr. Maisara Alrayyes
– Maximum of four awards for UK-based applicants and five for overseas applicants
– Emphasis on health-related fields for Palestinian candidates; broader eligibility for others
– Holistic selection based on resilience, academic potential and personal story
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
• Have applied for a September 2026 entry to a one-year, in-person PGT course at King’s College London
• Hold one of the following statuses:
– Asylum seeker in the UK
– Limited leave to remain (including discretionary leave) on asylum/human rights grounds
– Displaced by current or recent conflict, in or outside the UK
• Be unable to access UK student finance (tuition or maintenance loans) due to immigration status
• Not hold a prior postgraduate degree (undergraduate degrees are permitted)
• Overseas applicants—especially Palestinians—must hold valid travel documents, reside in priority locations (West Bank, Gaza, refugee camps) and require a Student Visa
Special Priority for Palestinian Applicants
1. MBBS graduates pursuing a health-related MSc
2. Health/science graduates pursuing health-related MSc courses
3. Graduates in other fields pursuing any MSc
4. Other forced-migration backgrounds if Palestinian criteria are unmet
Benefits
Recipients of the Sanctuary Scholarship receive:
• Full tuition fee waiver for one academic year
• Living cost stipend up to £20,000 (means-tested)
• Visa assistance and UKVI consent support
• Academic mentoring, language support, counseling and community integration through King’s Sanctuary Programme
Application Process
The two-stage application closes on May 5, 2026 (23:59 UK time). Late applications are not accepted. Applicants should:
1. Secure an offer (conditional or unconditional) for a PGT course at King’s College London.
2. Complete the online Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form in one session, detailing challenges overcome, academic achievements and future goals.
3. Email supporting documents (see list below) to sanctuary@kcl.ac.uk within the specified timeline.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed on eligibility, completeness, academic record, quality of personal responses and demonstrated resilience. Writing style is secondary to content and context.
Required Documents
• Proof of immigration status (e.g., BRP, asylum acknowledgment)
• Palestinian travel documents (if applicable)
• UKVI Consent Form
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• One reference letter (teacher, lecturer, social worker or advisor known for 12+ months)
• King’s College London offer letter
• Personal statement responses (embedded in application form)
Decision Timeline
Award decisions will be communicated by Monday, July 6, 2026. Successful candidates must accept their scholarship offer within 10 days.
More Information & Official Application
Visit the official Sanctuary Scholarship page at
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study-legacy/funding/sanctuary-scholarship-2026-27
This transformative scholarship empowers displaced scholars to pursue world-class postgraduate education at King’s College London. Apply now for a chance to build a brighter future.
