Loughborough University is offering four Sanctuary PhD Scholarships for postgraduate research students facing displacement or at risk due to conflict and persecution. These scholarships, available for full-time and part-time PhD study, provide full tuition fee waivers and a generous stipend.
Scholarship Overview
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship aims to support scholars who have been displaced or are at risk due to conflict, persecution, or humanitarian crises. The scholarships are available for PhD programs at both the Loughborough and London campuses.
A total of four (04) scholarships will be awarded:
- Two (2) scholarships for students starting in April or July 2025
- Two (2) scholarships for students starting in October 2025 or January 2026.
Benefits
Recipients of this scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver – 100% of PhD tuition fees covered
- Annual stipend of £19,237 (aligned with UKRI rates, subject to annual adjustments)
- Support for study costs and living expenses.
Note: Travel and visa costs must be covered by the student.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to applicants who:
- Hold an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional) for a PhD program at Loughborough University (Loughborough or London campus).
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Are considered an ‘at-risk scholar’, meaning they are displaced or at risk of persecution, conflict, or danger in their home country.
The following immigration and protection statuses qualify for the scholarship:
- Asylum seekers, refugees, humanitarian protection holders
- Individuals with Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Ukraine or Afghan Schemes beneficiaries
- British National Overseas (BNO) status holders
- Other forms of sanctuary (e.g., Calais Leave, Section 67 Leave, UASC leave, Stateless Leave)
- Applicants currently outside the UK
Important: Part-time study is only available for UK-based students who are not in full-time employment.
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain a PhD Admission Offer
Interested candidates must first apply for a PhD program at Loughborough University. Scholarship applications will only be considered after an admission offer is secured.
Step 2: Submit a Scholarship Application
Once an offer is received, applicants can apply for the scholarship through the official website: https://www.displacedstudent.org.uk/opportunities/loughborough-university-sanctuary-phd-scholarship/:
- Ensure all sections of the application form are completed.
- A confirmation email will be sent upon submission.
- Shortlisted candidates will receive further instructions.
Application Deadlines
For April 2025 or July 2025 start: Apply by January 24, 2025
For October 2025 or January 2026 start: Apply by June 23, 2025.
