Access to university and higher education

This page is for asylum seekers, refugees and other young people from forced migration backgrounds who want to study at university in the UK.

We explain:

  • Whether you are classed as a “home” or “international” student.

  • Whether you can get student finance or other funding.

  • How to choose a course and university.

  • How to apply and what documents you may need.

  • What to do if you get an offer but no funding.

  • Other routes to education if university is not possible right now.

  • Where to find extra funding and support.

Quick check: can I go to university and how will I pay?

Many young people we speak to are unsure whether they are:

  • Allowed to go to university.

  • Able to pay the tuition fees and living costs.

For university, the key questions are:

  1. What is your immigration status?

  2. How long have you been living in the UK?

  3. Which part of the UK will you study in (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)?

  4. Are you classed as a “home” (UK) student or an “international” student?

These answers affect:

  • Whether you can get student finance (tuition fee and maintenance loans or grants).

  • Whether you pay home fees or much higher international fees.

  • Whether you need to rely mainly on scholarships and charitable grants.

If a university or college gives you information that does not seem right for your status, or if things are not clear, contact us for advice. Rules change regularly and can be confusing, even for universities.

Your immigration status and what it means for university

Your immigration status strongly affects:

  • Whether you are classed as home or international for fees.

  • Whether you can get student finance.

  • Whether you are eligible for certain scholarships.

If you are unsure about your status, check your Home Office letters, ARC card, or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or speak to an immigration adviser.

  • This includes:

    • Refugee status

    • Humanitarian protection

    • Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter

    Can I go to university?

    • Yes. You can usually study at university in the same way as a British citizen.

    Will I be a home or international student?

    • In many cases, if you have been living in the UK (or sometimes the UK and certain other countries) for a set period before the course starts, you may be classed as a home student.

    • If you do not yet meet the residence rules, you may be treated as an international student for fees until you do.

    Can I get student finance?

    • Many people with these statuses can get student finance (tuition fee and maintenance support) if they meet extra rules about length of residence and where they have been living.

    • Exact rules differ slightly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always check the latest guidance or speak to UKCISA or a university adviser.

    Anything special I should know?

    • Some staff may not be familiar with the rules for refugees and people with protection. If you are told you are not eligible and you are not sure this is correct, ask to speak to a specialist adviser or contact us.

    • You may still be able to apply for scholarships and grants specifically for refugees and people with protection, even if you get student finance.

  • This includes, for example:

    • Limited leave to remain (sometimes after an asylum claim).

    • Discretionary leave to remain.

    • UASC leave (unaccompanied asylum-seeking child leave).

    • Calais leave or Section 67 leave.

    • Stateless leave.

    • Some other forms of temporary or exceptional leave.

    Can I go to university?

    • Yes. With these types of leave you are usually allowed to study at university.

    • However, your fee status (home or international) and funding options can be complicated and may change over time.

    Will I be a home or international student?

    • In some cases, if you have lived in the UK (or sometimes the UK and certain other countries) for a certain period before your course, you may qualify as a home student.

    • In other cases, you may be treated as an international student even though you have lived in the UK for many years.

    Can I get student finance?

    • Some of these statuses can be eligible for student finance if you meet detailed rules about where you have been living and for how long.

    • Others are not eligible for student finance and need to look at scholarships, fee waivers and charitable grants instead.

    Because the rules depend on the exact wording of your leave and where you live in the UK, it is important to get individual advice.

    Anything special I should know?

    • Your leave may have an expiry date. Universities sometimes worry about what happens if your leave runs out during your course. If this is raised as a concern, ask to speak to a specialist adviser.

    • If your status changes (for example you are later granted refugee status), your fee status and student finance eligibility may change.

  • This includes:

    • People who have applied for asylum and are waiting for a decision.

    • People whose asylum claim has been refused, including some who are appeal rights exhausted.

    Can I go to university?

    • Universities can choose to admit asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers.

    • However, most asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers are not eligible for student finance and are usually charged international fees, which are very high.

    • This means that in practice, many people in this situation need scholarships, fee waivers or other charitable funding to study.

    How do people in my situation usually fund university?

    • Some universities offer sanctuary scholarships, asylum seeker scholarships or fee waivers which may cover fees and sometimes living costs.

    • Some charities also offer grants or scholarships. These are very competitive and often have strict eligibility rules.

    • Many people choose to focus on college or other routes until their immigration status changes, and then move into university later.

    Anything special I should know?

    • You may not have permission to work and may be on a very low income, especially if you receive asylum support (NASS). This makes paying university fees yourself almost impossible without extra funding.

    • It can still be helpful to prepare for university now by improving your English, gaining college qualifications and learning more about courses.

  • If your situation does not fit into any of the categories above (for example if you have a different visa, are classed as an overseas student or are outside the UK):

    • You may still be able to study at university, but your fees and funding options may be different.

    • You are likely to be treated as an international student and may have no access to UK student finance.

    • You will usually need to rely on personal funds, family support, scholarships, or charitable grants.

    Organisations that can help you understand your options include:

    You can also contact us directly. Even if we cannot give detailed immigration advice, we can help you understand education routes and think about next steps.

Choosing a course and university

University is a big commitment of time, energy and often money, so it is worth taking time to choose carefully.

Questions to ask when choosing a course

It can help to ask yourself:

  1. What kind of work or life do I want in the future?

  2. What subjects or skills do I need for that?

  3. How strong is my English, and what support will I need?

  4. What entry requirements does the course have (A levels, BTECs, Access to HE, English tests, grades)?

  5. Is the course full-time or part-time? Can I combine it with work, caring or health needs?

  6. Where is the university? What are living costs like there?

You can get help with these questions from:

  • College or school careers advisers.

  • University widening participation teams.

  • REUK’s Education Access team.

    • Usually 3–4 years long.

    • Examples: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science).

    • Often require A levels, BTECs or an Access to HE Diploma.

    • One extra year before a degree, often for people who:

      • are changing subject;

      • do not meet the usual entry requirements;

      • need extra time to adjust to academic study in English.

    • Level 3 qualifications designed mainly for adults (19+) who want to go to university.

    • Often accepted by universities as the equivalent of A levels.

    • Usually studied at college, not at university.

    • Some people take higher apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships, combining paid work with university-level study. These usually require the right to work in the UK.

Applying to university

Most applications for full-time undergraduate degrees are made through UCAS.

    • Research your options

      Look at:

      • Course content and teaching style.

      • Entry requirements.

      • Location and living costs.

      • Support for refugees and asylum seekers (for example, sanctuary scholarships, dedicated contacts).

    • Check entry requirements

      This includes:

      • Required qualifications (A levels, BTECs, Access to HE, international qualifications).

      • English language requirements (often IELTS, TOEFL or another recognised test).

    • Prepare your UCAS application

      You will need:

      • Personal details, education history and qualifications.

      • A personal statement explaining your interest in the course.

      • A reference from a teacher, tutor or adviser.

    • Meet deadlines

      There are earlier deadlines for some courses (for example medicine, dentistry, veterinary science) and universities (for example Oxford and Cambridge). Most other courses have later deadlines.

  • Many universities ask for a minimum English test score if English is not your first language.

    • Common tests include IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT.

    • Some universities accept alternative evidence, such as:

      • Certain UK school or college qualifications.

      • Internal English tests.

      • Evidence of previous study in English.

    If paying for an English test is difficult, speak to universities about:

    • Possible fee waivers or lower-cost options.

    • Taking English courses at college to build up to the required level.

Money and funding at university

University funding for asylum seekers and refugees is complex and changes over time.

  • For home students on eligible courses:

    • Tuition fee support: a loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, paid directly to the university.

    • Maintenance support: loans or grants to help with living costs (rent, food, travel, books).

    Your eligibility depends on:

    • Your immigration status.

    • How long you have been living in the UK and where.

    • Your age and whether you have studied at university before.

    • Which part of the UK you live in.

    For clear, up-to-date information, check:

    • The official student finance website for your nation.

    • UKCISA guidance on fees and funding.

  • Even if you are eligible for student finance, you may still need extra support.

    • University scholarships and bursaries: some are for care leavers, students from low-income backgrounds or students who are the first in their family to go to university.

    • Sanctuary or asylum seeker scholarships: some universities and charities offer specific scholarships for:

      • Asylum seekers.

      • People with certain types of temporary leave.

      • Refugees and people granted protection who cannot get enough support through student finance.

    • Hardship funds: many universities have funds for students experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

    Always check:

    • Eligibility criteria (age, status, subject, place of residence).

    • Application deadlines.

    • What costs are covered (fees, living costs, both).

  • Sometimes a university offers a place but you cannot afford the fees or living costs.

    If this happens:

    • Speak to the university immediately

      Ask about:

      • Sanctuary scholarships or other bursaries.

      • Hardship funds.

      • The possibility of deferring your offer to a later year.

    • Look for external scholarships and grants

      Some charities offer support specifically for:

      • Refugees and asylum seekers.

      • Care-experienced young people.

      • People from certain countries, areas or backgrounds.

    • Talk through alternative routes

      You might:

      • Study at college first.

      • Focus on improving English and qualifications while you wait for a change in status.

      • Look at part‑time or flexible study options that fit your circumstances better.

    We can help you review your options and plan next steps.

  • Postgraduate funding is usually separate from undergraduate funding.

    • There may be postgraduate loans, but eligibility rules differ from undergraduate student finance.

    • Universities and charities sometimes offer postgraduate scholarships, including some for refugees and asylum seekers.

    • Entry requirements may include:

      • A certain undergraduate degree classification.

      • Strong English language skills.

      • Sometimes professional experience.

    If you are interested in postgraduate study, talk to:

    • The university’s postgraduate admissions team.

    • Organisations specialising in refugee access to postgraduate study.

    • Our team, to think through timing and funding.

Accommodation and living costs

Where you live while studying will affect your budget, wellbeing and study experience.

    • University halls of residence
      Often for first‑year students. Can include bills but may be more expensive.

    • Private rented housing
      Renting a room in a shared house or flat. You usually sign a contract and are responsible for rent and bills.

    • Living with family or friends
      Less expensive, but may involve longer travel or less quiet space for study.

    • Some scholarships include help with accommodation.

    • Some local authorities support care leavers and certain young people in education.

    • University welfare or housing teams may help you:

      • Find suitable accommodation.

      • Understand your rights as a tenant.

      • Access emergency or hardship support if needed.

If you cannot go to university right now

You may not be able to start university at this moment because of your immigration status, finances, English level, health or other responsibilities. This can feel very disappointing, but there are still ways to move towards your goals.

Options can include:

  • College and further education
    Studying at college to improve your English and gain qualifications such as: ESOL, GCSEs or Functional Skills, BTECs or Access to HE.

  • Online learning
    Free or low‑cost courses in English, IT, or subjects linked to your future plans.

  • Volunteering and community activities
    Building experience, confidence and references for future applications.

  • Short courses and community programmes
    Local organisations may run courses in areas such as IT, art, youth leadership or community organising.

What you do now can still be very valuable when you apply to university in the future, especially if your immigration status changes or new funding options become available.

Looking after your wellbeing

Planning for university while dealing with uncertainty, past trauma and complex systems can be extremely stressful.

Ways to find support include:

  • Your university or college
    Most universities and colleges have wellbeing, counselling or mental health services for students. You can usually find them through student services, your personal tutor or the students’ union.

  • Your GP (family doctor)
    They can refer you to local NHS mental health services, such as CAMHS for under‑18s or adult mental health teams and talking therapies.

  • Helplines and online support

    • NHS: national list of mental health helplines and resources.

    • Samaritans: free, confidential 24‑hour listening service on 116 123.

    • Talk Off The Record: online audio and video resources in different languages for young refugees and asylum seekers.

Our team believes every young person deserves to flourish in education. We use activities and tools to build wellbeing, can refer you to specialist services where needed, and can help you find groups and activities that build connection and belonging, such as sports, societies, mentoring or community projects.

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this.

Other organisations that can help

These organisations provide information, advice, or practical support related to university, immigration and funding:

  • UKCISA: expert advice on fee status and student support.

  • Refugee Council: information and support on education, housing, health and other issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers.

  • Coram Children’s Legal Centre (Migrant Children’s Project): legal information and advice for children and young people on immigration and education.

  • Become: support and guidance for care‑experienced young people in education.

  • RefuAid: support with language tuition, education and employment for people with a background of forced migration.

  • Student Action for Refugees (STAR): student‑led groups across the UK campaigning for change and supporting refugees in universities and communities.

  • Universities of Sanctuary: a network designed to inspire and support universities to develop a culture and a practice of welcome within their own institutions, in their wider communities, and across the Higher Education sector in the UK.

Depending on where you live, there may also be local organisations offering ESOL classes, mentoring, advice and social activities.

Workshops and how to contact REUK

We regularly run free workshops on:

  • How education and student finance work in the UK.

  • Routes into college and university.

  • Planning your education if you have an unsettled immigration status.

See upcoming workshops

If you would like individual advice about your situation, you can contact our Education Access team.

We can help you understand your options, prepare applications and think through a realistic plan for university and beyond.

Contact the advice line