DL Sanctuary Awards, University of Leicester

About this scholarship

A sanctuary scholarship program providing full tuition fee waivers for part-time distance-learning Master's degrees at the University of Leicester, aimed at forcibly displaced individuals, refugees, asylum seekers, and those affected by conflict or political persecution globally. The DL Sanctuary Award is designed to accommodate disruptions in previous studies, lack of qualification evidence or transferability, and missing English proficiency documentation. Applicants are supported throughout the process, so these barriers should not prevent anyone from applying.

Funding type

Covers: Full (100%) tuition fee waivers for eligible part-time online Master's degree programs. Excludes: Living costs, accommodation, computer equipment, or internet connection expenses.

Tuition fees

Covered

Living costs

Not covered

Travel

Not covered

Insurance

Not specified

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities

All nationalities

Residence condition

No residence condition

Applicants must be forcibly displaced, a refugee, asylum seeker, or at risk of persecution/conflict anywhere in the world Hold an academic offer for an eligible part-time distance learning Master's course Have regular internet access

Minimum grade

Not stated

Work experience asked for

Not stated

Return condition

Return condition not stated

How to apply

Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test not mentioned

Must satisfy the host university’s standard English language proficiency requirement for the chosen Master's course. Applicants are expected to meet English language criteria, but the award explicitly accommodates those who currently lack formal evidence of their English proficiency and provides support in obtaining it.

University admission details

Required before applying?

Must apply directly for an eligible part-time online Master's degree course at Leicester and secure an offer prior to applying for the scholarship. DL Sanctuary Award applications from unconditional offer holders will be reviewed about four weeks before the start date of the course. Make sure you apply for the course early and then apply for the award before the deadline specified below: For courses starting in January 2027, the deadline to apply is 7 December 2026 at 9.00am (UK time) For courses starting in April 2027, the deadline to apply is 8 March 2027 at 9.00am (UK time)

Required documents

Academic offer letter, Bachelor's degree and transcripts, evidence of displacement/immigration status (e.g., UNHCR status, refugee proof, or personal displacement narrative), and a personal statement covering displacement barriers and impact.

Application steps

Apply for an eligible part-time online Master's course via the University of Leicester website, selecting "DL Sanctuary Award" as funding source. Receive an academic offer (conditional or unconditional). Submit the separate DL Sanctuary Award form with immigration/displacement proof and personal statement.

Requirement checklist

Scholarship contacts

Scholarship contact: [email protected]Copy · Contact form (opens in a new tab)

(as soon as possible after applying) Provide evidence of current immigration status: [email protected]Copy · Contact form (opens in a new tab)

Universities and contacts