Aston University has officially announced the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026, a powerful sanctuary scholarship designed to support students seeking refuge in the United Kingdom who are unable to access traditional student finance. This opportunity provides life-changing access to higher education with full tuition support, living cost assistance, and dedicated academic mentoring.
For eligible applicants, this scholarship is more than financial aid — it is a pathway to rebuild academic and professional futures in the UK. With funding worth up to £45,000 for undergraduate study and up to £20,000 for postgraduate taught programs, the Ernest Edward Scholarship stands among the most supportive sanctuary scholarships available in the UK for 2026 admissions.
Aston University will award up to four scholarships under this scheme, making it a competitive yet highly impactful opportunity for individuals determined to continue their education despite challenging circumstances.
What the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 is Offering?
The Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 is structured to remove financial and structural barriers that prevent refugee and asylum-seeking students from accessing higher education in the UK. Each selected scholar will receive comprehensive academic and personal support to ensure they can successfully complete their degree.
For postgraduate taught courses, the scholarship value can reach up to £20,000, while undergraduate recipients may receive support worth up to £45,000 over the full duration of their program. The actual amount is tailored based on individual financial needs and living circumstances.
In addition to financial support, scholars gain access to academic mentoring, professional development opportunities, language assistance where required, and full integration into Aston University’s student community. This holistic approach ensures that recipients are not only funded but fully supported in their academic journey.
Benefits and Financial Coverage for Selected Scholars
Winning the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 provides a complete support package designed to enable scholars to study without financial pressure and integrate successfully into university life in the UK.
Recipients will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the program
- Financial support for accommodation and essential living costs
- Additional non-cash support tailored to individual needs
- Access to professional mentoring and career guidance
- Language support for academic success where required
- Membership to Sports Aston facilities
- Dedicated support from Aston Students’ Union and university teams
- Personalised student success and wellbeing assistance.
This comprehensive package ensures scholars can focus entirely on academic and professional growth while studying in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements for Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026
This scholarship is specifically designed for individuals in the UK who are unable to access student finance due to their immigration status and are seeking a pathway to higher education.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must have applied for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate taught course at Aston University
- Must be physically present in the United Kingdom at the time of application
- Must be an asylum seeker, or partner/dependant of an asylum seeker
- OR an unsuccessful asylum seeker/refugee granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or another temporary status in the UK
- Must not be eligible for UK government student finance
- Most three-year undergraduate and one-year postgraduate courses are eligible
- Certain courses such as medicine and nursing are not eligible.
Applicants must first secure or apply for admission to an Aston University course before submitting the scholarship application.
How to Apply for Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026?
The application process for the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 is simple but requires careful timing and preparation.
Step 1: Apply for admission: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding/ernest-edward-scholarship
Begin by applying to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate taught course at Aston University. Ensure your course is eligible under the scholarship scheme.
Step 2: Wait for application window
Scholarship applications will only be available once the official application period opens. Forms cannot be requested before the opening date.
Step 3: Request application form
From 9 March 2026 onwards, email the Ernest Edward Scholarship team to request the official application form.
Step 4: Complete and submit application
Fill out the form carefully with all required details and supporting information. Submit your completed application before the final deadline.
Step 5: Await decision
Shortlisted applicants will be assessed based on need, eligibility, and commitment to higher education.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 at Aston University is 1 May 2026 at 5:00 PM (UK time). Applications will open on 9 March 2026, and interested applicants must request and submit the official application form within this application window.