Equal Access Scholarships at the University of York for UK Asylum Seekers

Applications for the University of York’s Equal Access Scholarship for Undergraduate Students are being accepted for 2025–2026. Two Equal Access Scholarships are available from the University of York to undergraduate students who are fleeing to the UK. These scholarships will help students who are applying for asylum in the UK to pursue higher education.

Details

• Host University: University of York
• Application Deadline: 19 May 2025, 9 am BST
• No.Opportunities: 2
• Degree Level: Bachelor/Undergraduate
• Gender: Male/Female
• Eligible Countries: International (Non-EU Countries)
• Target Group: Non-EU applicants residing in the UK

Benefits of Equal Access Scholarships for Asylum Seekers

The Equal Access Scholarships for Asylum Seekers benefits are as follows:

1. Complete fee waiver (you will not need to pay any tuition fees)
2. Maintenance grant of up to £12,300 to assist with living expenses

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

1. Open to international (non-EU) students residing in the UK and seeking asylum.
2. Open to students currently seeking asylum in the United Kingdom but do not have access to mainstream funding.
3. Have an unconditional or conditional offer for 2025 from the University of York.
4. Have applied for asylum before applying for a university place
5. They cannot access mainstream funding, such as student loans or local government grants.
6. You have one of the following immigration statuses right now:

   • DLR/LLR (discretionary/limited leave to remain)
   • Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and Humanitarian Protection and do not have access to mainstream funding
   • The decision on my application for refugee status is pending.
   • Leave as an Unaccompanied Minor Seeking Asylum (UASC leave)
   • Asylum Seeker Refused: Your application for refugee status has been denied, and you have filed an appeal or a new claim.
   • Any of the statuses mentioned above groups’ dependent or partner

You are not eligible if: 

• You have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
• You’re interested in studying medicine at Hull York Medical School.
• You are applying for the 2-year LLB (Hons) Law (Senior Status)
• You want to apply for a course that includes work placements, and you don’t have the right to work in the UK.

Application Requirements

You must submit the following information as part of your application:

• Your UCAS personal identification number (this is ten digits long and can be found on your offer letter)
• Your York University Application ID (this is nine digits long and can be found on your offer letter)
• A supporting statement (1,000 and 1,500 characters) and answer the following questions:
  1. Why do you want to study your chosen course? (4 marks)
  2. Why do you want to study at the University of York? (4 marks)
  3. What qualities or skills did you bring which made it a success? (4 marks)
• Proof of your refugee status, e.g., your biometric residence permit.

Note: In addition to your UCAS reference, you may be asked to provide an additional reference from a school, college, community, or voluntary group to support your application. If they need this information, they will contact you directly.

How do you apply for Equal Access Scholarships for Asylum Seekers?

To apply, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Apply to the University of York

• You can apply for an eligible undergraduate course at York by checking the eligibility section for exempt courses (e.g., Hull York Medical School, certain law programs, and courses with work placements).
• In your UCAS application, share details about your asylum-seeking background in the ‘More About Me’ section for better support.

Step 2: Apply for the Equal Access Scholarship

• Complete the online scholarship application form using the link below by providing the above documents.
• You may be invited for an informal interview after applications close.

 3: Receive Your Application Outcome

• The university will get notified about their application result by 3 June 2025.
• If selected, you must make the University of York your firm choice on UCAS to accept the scholarship.
• Inform international@york.ac.uk if your immigration status changes before starting the course.

                 Apply Now

Selection Criteria and Process

This is a competitive process. The undergraduate scholarship will be given to two applicants. University panel will choose the successful scholarship awardees.

The judges will consider the following factors when evaluating your application:

• If you meet the eligibility mentioned above requirements
• Your statement of support

1. Why do you want to study your chosen course? (4 marks)
   
2. Why do you want to study at the University of York? (4 marks).
3.  What qualities or skills did you bring which made it a success? (4 marks).

For more information about the University of York Equal Access Scholarships, please review the university’s official website.

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