The Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship (formerly known as the International Response Scholarship) offers exceptional support for eligible international students seeking to study at Goldsmiths, University of London in the UK. This fully funded opportunity is designed to help those with refugee status or active asylum applications in the UK pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in London.
It provides comprehensive financial assistance, making higher education more accessible for displaced students. Applications for the 2026 entry are now open.
Key Benefits of the Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
Successful applicants receive:
- £8,825 annual allowance to help cover living expenses.
- Full tuition fee waiver for each year of study.
- Accommodation support — coverage for a single study bedroom in Goldsmiths halls of residence (up to £200 per week).
These benefits apply for the full duration of your degree programme.
Up to 4 scholarships are available: 2 for undergraduate students and 2 for taught postgraduate students. Awards are made on a competitive basis.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship 2026, you must:
- Have refugee status in the UK, or have an active application for asylum in the UK. (You will need to upload supporting documentation to your MyGoldsmiths account to prove this status.)
- Hold an offer of study for an undergraduate or taught postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths (programmes must be taught in person; online degrees are not eligible).
- Be eligible to study in the UK. If you are on Immigration Bail, it must not include a condition that prohibits studying.
- Applications from Ukrainian applicants seeking refuge in the UK under Home Office arrangements will also be considered.
You must meet Goldsmiths’ general eligibility criteria and regulations for scholarships.
How to Apply for the Goldsmiths Sanctuary Scholarship
Follow these clear steps to submit your application:
- Secure an offer — Apply for and receive an unconditional or conditional offer for an eligible undergraduate or taught postgraduate programme at Goldsmiths, University of London (for 2026 entry).
- Prepare your documents — Gather evidence of your refugee status or active asylum application in the UK. You will upload these directly to your MyGoldsmiths account.
- Complete the scholarship application form — Access the official application form on the Goldsmiths website. Provide details about your academic background, personal circumstances, and answers to the questions on the form.
- Submit by the deadline — Applications open on 16 February 2026 and close on 25 May 2026 at midnight BST. Late applications are not accepted.
- Apply for accommodation separately — If you need university housing, submit a separate application via the Goldsmiths accommodation portal. In the notes section, mention that you are applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship (formerly International Response Scholarship).
The awarding panel (including representatives from Admissions, Widening Participation, and the Immigration Advisory Service) will shortlist based on eligibility, then assess applications competitively, focusing on your academic record and responses to the form questions. Equal weight is given to academics and the relevance of your answers (not the standard of writing).
For any questions, email [email protected].
Important Notes
- This scholarship supports displaced students and aligns with Goldsmiths’ commitment to widening participation and innovative partnerships.
- Awards are competitive, so ensure your application highlights your academic potential and circumstances clearly.
- Always check the official page for any last-minute updates.