University Centre Leeds is continuing its commitment to promoting a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all. It was awarded University Centre of Sanctuary status in May 2023, by the City of Sanctuary. This acknowledges the institution's efforts in creating a culture of inclusion and support.
As an institution, we address the barriers experienced by refugees and asylum seekers, including overcoming financial, emotional and cultural hurdles, and support them to achieve their potential. Our brand values mean that we endeavour to continue supporting and reducing barriers, and meet the needs of each and every student. We believe every student has the right to learn and excel and we value students from all walks of life.
We provide support through our CARES scheme to help you access our courses and achieve the best results whilst studying with us. The CARES scheme offers support both, before and after enrolment and we will explain the support options to you on this page
What do we mean by ‘seeking sanctuary’ ‘refugee’ and ‘asylum seeker’?
We use the term ‘seeking sanctuary’ to refer to refugees or asylum seekers from any background or immigration status.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or a natural disaster. A refugee has been given permission to stay in the UK, and has been granted official ‘refugee’ status by the Home Office.
An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for refugee status and is waiting to find out if it has been granted.
If you would like further information on the different official status options please visit UK Visas and Immigration.
University of Sanctuary
A sanctuary is a place of refuge or rest, a place where you can feel at peace from persecution, or other danger.
The University of Sanctuary is a national network of university staff, lecturers, academics and students. The aim is to make University Centre Leeds a place of safety, solidarity and empower people seeking sanctuary.
Support available at UC Leeds
To help potential students make informed decisions about their higher education and degree choices, we offer:
● Personalised tours
● Named contact to support you throughout your studies
● Impartial information, advice and guidance on the courses available in higher education
● Taster days
● 1:1 application support
● Contextual admissions
● Enhanced transition support
● Access to the Widening Participation Mentoring Scheme
Eligible students will receive priority consideration for year-round (365-day) accommodation with our partner providers. While a guarantor is usually required, this may be waived upon evidence of CARES eligibility. Applicants will be contacted by our named contact to clarify the accommodation support offer and will be given the opportunity to select a suitable tenancy. The accommodation team contact information is [email protected] .
Depending on eligibility, we offer several forms of financial support in the form of bursaries and grants.
We Offer:
● CARES Bursary (up to £1000)
● Support for interview travel and/or materials (up to 50% of costs)
● Graduation gown hire and photography support (up to 50%)
● We also offer guidance on applying for student finance as an independent student.
The CARES Scheme offers tailored, wrap around support to help students feel safe, valued, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
Our on-course support includes:
Named Contact
All CARES students are assigned a named contact within the Access and Participation team who acts as their key point of support throughout their time with us. This contact provides regular check-ins, helps students navigate institutional processes, and advocates on their behalf when needed.
Pastoral Support
CARES students have access to one-to-one wellbeing check-ins throughout the year. These offer a safe, confidential space to discuss any concerns. Our team can also help connect students with appropriate services within and beyond the institution.
Academic Support and Guidance
We support students in developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically. CARES students are encouraged to access:
● Study skills workshops and academic coaching sessions.
● Personalised guidance on time management, academic writing, and assessment period planning.
● Referrals to academic staff or support services if additional learning support is needed.
Through the Wellbeing Team, students can be paired with trained mentors who offer encouragement, share their own experiences, and provide practical guidance to support their wellbeing.
Counselling and Mental Health Support
Students will have priority access to confidential counselling services and, where appropriate, may be referred to external mental health services. We work proactively to support students' wellbeing and create a culture where seeking help is normalised and encouraged.
If you would like to find out more about the support available, you can contact our team on [email protected].
Further sources of information and support
UKCISA can help you understand your tuition fee status in the four different parts of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), and provides information and advice on matters related to immigration, financial support, financial hardship, mental health, culture shock, and student orientation.
University of Sanctuary - To develop a culture and a practice of welcome within institutions, the wider community, and across the Higher Education sector in the UK.
Refugee Education UK offers expert support and resources such as their FAQs and a free advice service via phone or email.
Hope for the Young - offers grants, living allowances, or educational resources for those who have no access to government funds. Funds are available for people aged 16 - 25.
Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is a national network of students who are working to help refugees in the UK – including with access to higher education.
ESOL Classes at Leeds City College - One of the key elements of integration into UK society, in order to encourage self-sufficiency and enhance access to opportunities
News - Leeds City College - A helpful guide to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
New to Leeds - A guide for migrants moving to Leeds from abroad
Welcome to Bradford - A Guide to Life in Bradford (welcomebradford.org)
The EaCES Handbook is a platform by and for refugee students, as well as care-experienced and students who are estranged. They provide advice, information, and peer-support.
We Belong works with young migrants to achieve better outcomes and remove barriers to success – including in education.
The Schwab and Westheimer Charitable Trust offers scholarships to students whose immigration status means they are not eligible for student finance – this allows them to study an undergraduate degree in social care, medicine or a related field.
You can find information about study opportunities to support refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK to access university on Displaced Student Opportunities UK.
Reporting an Incident
You don’t have to use your personal statement to explain their circumstances. However, you may want to use this space to talk about any relevant skills and qualities you have developed as a result of your experiences.
With the help of STAR Network and students who from a sanctuary-seeking backgrounds, UCAS has created a personal statement guide for refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain to help you identify these skills and strengths and explain how they're applicable to your studies.
What qualifications do I need to attend University Centre Leeds? Can I use my qualifications from my home country?
The qualifications you need to attend University Centre Leeds vary depending on the course. Information about admissions requirements are available on our course pages.
In general, to apply for an undergraduate degree you need to have relevant Level 3 qualifications, which includes the following:
● A Levels
● BTEC awards, certificates and diplomas at level 3
● International Baccalaureate
● NVQs at level 3
● Access courses
We ask for UCAS tariff points to decide whether to grant a place on our courses to an applicant. UCAS tariff points convert qualification grades (e.g. an A, B or C grade) into a numerical value. A detailed breakdown of the UCAS tariff system can be found on the UCAS website.
We may also ask you to prove your level of spoken and written English, for example through an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
