Supporting academics and students affected by conflict and displacement around the world
As a University of Sanctuary located in Coventry, a City of Sanctuary, the University of Warwick is deeply committed to supporting academics and students affected by conflict and displacement.
The University’s Global Conflict Response Working Group, chaired by the PVC-International, brings together key stakeholders from across the University to collaborate, coordinate and advise on actions and programmes of activity to support academics, students, and higher education institutions affected by conflict, as well as foster a safe and inclusive environment within our campus.
The University of Warwick is committed to making partnership decisions responsibly, guided by ethical, social, environmental, and governance principles. Our Ethical Assurance policies ensure we only engage with organisations that align with the University’s values and operate ethically.
Warwick is a University of SanctuaryLink opens in a new window
Warwick has been recognised as a University of Sanctuary since 2017.
Higher Education Institutions in the UK have a proud and radical tradition of supporting refugees and people in the asylum system.
#The University of Sanctuary award recognises commitment to creating a culture of safety, solidarity, and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, university campuses.
"As a refugee, I have never felt I am different from the other students here at Warwick. I have always been supported by the department and my supervisors and that proves why, among other factors, Warwick is among the pioneering universities in the world."
Sanctuary Scholar, Education Studies
"Coming from a war-torn country, accessing world-class research facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories was like a dream coming true for me.Additionally, the caring support network starting from university staff to my personal supervisor has been uncanny. Warwick has zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind and the fact that it has dedicated funding for refugees speaks out and loud for that."
Sanctuary Scholar, Life Sciences
Scholarships
Sanctuary ScholarshipsLink opens in a new window
Since 2015, Warwick has supported refugees and asylum-seekers through Sanctuary Scholarships, offering 4 undergraduate, 3 Master’s, and 2 PhD awards annually.
Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL)Link opens in a new window
In partnership with the British Council, Warwick hosts HESPAL scholars to help develop future academic leaders in Palestinian universities.
We work with the The Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation Link opens in a new windowand Saïd FoundationLink opens in a new window to reduce financial barriers for students from the Middle East.
Global ScholarshipsLink opens in a new window
Warwick collaborates with governments, embassies, employers, and foundations to support the best and brightest international students from around the world to study at Warwick.
Study Opportunities for RefugeesLink opens in a new window
Explore UK-wide study options for refugees and asylum-seekers at Displaced StudentLink opens in a new window, hosted by Refugee Education UK, STAR, and Universities of Sanctuary.
Masters in Education Reconstruction
Initiated in 2024 by Dr Bo Kelestyn (WBS), the Educational Leadership Programme for Ukraine welcomed 40 Ukrainian education leaders to Warwick for residentials focused on education reconstruction. Thanks to nearly £1 million in philanthropic funding confirmed in February 2025—alongside support from Warwick and the British Council—the programme will now offer a Master’s in Education Reconstruction to 80 more Ukrainian leaders over three years, plus additional professional development opportunities.
Academics at Risk
The Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) at the University of Warwick, in collaboration with Cara (the Council for At-Risk Academics), the British Academy and other organisations, has been offering Fellowships to refugee academics for many of years, to support them in preparing for research or academic posts in UK universities. Cara also works with the Doctoral College to offer 2 PhD Scholarships to at risk postgraduate researchers each year.
Warwick Students UnionLink opens in a new window
Warwick SU have multiple societies that support refugees, including:
Warwick STAR (STudent Action for Refugees)Link opens in a new window
STAR is a national student network that raises awareness of refugee issues, campaigns for refugee rights, and supports refugees through local volunteering.
Amnesty WarwickLink opens in a new window
Amnesty Warwick is a student society raising awareness of global human rights issues. Its campaigns focus on women’s and children’s rights, minority rights, refugee rights, and the protection of human dignity, encouraging students to speak out against injustice.
Finding Their Way
A research report by the University of Warwick’s English and Comparative Literary Studies Department and Refugee Education UK.
This research study has cast light on the breadth of challenges Coventry-based refugee and asylum-seeking young people face in reaching HE. Many of these young people are ambitious and strive towards studying at university. But getting there is rarely straightforward; many are required to embark on a long and difficult journey to realise their HE dreams.
Further Support
Staff Wellbeing Hub Link opens in a new window
This is your dedicated space for support, resources, and guidance to help enhance your health, happiness, and work-life balance.
Student Support
Our teams are ready to work with you to develop the personal resources and skills you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of student life.
What you can do
There are many things you can do to support a culture of safety, solidarity, and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, the University.
Warwick offers an introductory training module that is designed to assist staff and students to develop insights into the life of asylum seeker and refugee students in the UK.