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Search our Applying to study – refugees frequently asked questions.

Which option should I choose? I’m not sure which matches my status show answer

Don’t worry if the options given here don’t exactly match your status, or if your status changes after you apply. This question is not used to establish your fee status, it is only used to assess what support you might be eligible for at the university or college.

The university or college will contact you separately to discuss your circumstances so they can decide your fee status later in the process.

Whatever your status, it is important that you talk to the university or college before applying to discuss your circumstances, and contact them immediately if there is any change to your status. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information and advice.

Do I have to give refugee/asylum seeker/limited leave to remain information? show answer

No, this question is optional, whatever status you have. However, we recommend that you do, so they can understand the context of your achievements. This question aims to make sure you are given the right support to access higher education and succeed in your studies - we recommend you share this information so your university or college can arrange this support. Even if you don’t feel you need any extra support now, you may feel differently later on.

If you prefer, you can contact the university or college directly to discuss your circumstances and talk about the support you need. If you have any questions or if your status changes, they will be happy to give you more detailed information and advice at any time before or after you apply.

Where can I get more information about applying to university if I have refugee or limited leave to remain, or I am an asylum seeker? show answer

Find out more about applying to university if you are a refugee, asylum seeker or have limited leave to remain.
UKCISA can help you understand your tuition fee status in the four different parts of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), and provides information and advice on matters related to immigration, financial support, financial hardship, mental health, culture shock, and student orientation.
Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is a national network of students who are working to help refugees in the UK – including with access to higher education.
Several universities and colleges offer bursaries and scholarships to help asylum seekers and refugees access higher education – the STAR website can help you find one and apply. Read STAR’s blog article about applying for bursaries and scholarships.
Refugee Education UK offers expert support and resources such as their FAQs and a free advice service via phone or email.
We Belong works with young migrants to achieve better outcomes and remove barriers to success – including in education.
The Schwab and Westheimer Charitable Trust offers scholarships to students whose immigration status means they are not eligible for student finance – this allows them to study an undergraduate degree in social care, medicine or a related field.
Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free legal advice and can help if you're unclear about your immigration status.
You can find information about study opportunities to support refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK to access university on Displaced Student Opportunities UK.

How is information about my refugee or asylum seeker status used show answer

This information is shared (securely) with those who are responsible for supporting you at university or college (e.g. the student services team).

Knowing about your circumstances will help the university or college admissions staff understand your achievements in context, and allow them to connect you to the right support and information for your needs. They may get in touch with you to share more details about the support they offer, or events and resources you may find useful to prepare for higher education.

This information will not reflect negatively on your application.

Your information may be used (anonymously) for monitoring purposes. This helps the university to inform and improve the support they provide to other refugees and asylum seekers in the future.

The information you share with UCAS is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information about who your information is shared with, read UCAS’ privacy policy

Read UCAS’ personal data policy

Should I mention my circumstances in the personal statement? show answer

This question was introduced so students with refugee or another similar status don’t have to use their personal statement to explain their circumstances. However, you may want to use this space to talk about any relevant skills and qualities you have developed as a result of your experiences

With the help of STAR Network and students who from a sanctuary-seeking backgrounds, UCAS has created a personal statement guide for refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain to help you identify these skills and strengths and explain how they're applicable to your studies.

You don't have to mention your circumstances in your personal statement if you don't want to – even if you flag your circumstances in the application question.

If you do choose to mention your circumstances in your personal statement, please also use the application question – student support staff won't see your personal statement so you may not get the right support if you don't answer this question too.

Why would a university or college want to know if I am a refugee or have some other similar status? show answer

Knowing about your circumstances will help the university or college admissions staff understand your achievements in context, and allow them to connect you to the right support and information for your needs. This information will not reflect negatively on your application but instead will enable admissions staff to form a more complete picture of you as an individual, and your potential, even if your circumstances have affected your attainment (e.g. exam grades).

The university or college may also get in touch with you to share details about the support they offer to ensure you make a smooth transition and succeed with your ongoing studies. You may find there are challenges to adjusting to life at university, or in a different country, or you might need practical support with day-to-day issues. Many universities and colleges provide additional support with issues such as academic skills, finances, and managing your health and wellbeing, so they may contact you for more information about how they can help you.

Note: This information is not used to set your fee status. Your course provider will contact you for more information about your circumstances to make this decision.

For more information about tuition fee status, visit the UKCISA website.

We recommend you contact the university or college before you apply to discuss your circumstances, and let them know immediately if your status changes. They'll be able to provide you more information and advice about how they can support you. Remember any support provided is designed to ensure you have a fair chance to succeed in your studies.

I’m not sure which option to choose – what is the difference? show answer

Being a refugee means that you have permission to stay in the UK and have been granted official ‘refugee’ status by the UK Government. You will have received confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the UK Home Office. Most people granted refugee status are eligible for ‘home’ tuition fees, subject to requirements.

If you have been granted humanitarian protection by the UK Government, you have permission to stay in the UK for humanitarian reasons. You will have received confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the UK Home Office. Many people with humanitarian protection are eligible for ‘home’ tuition fees, subject to meeting requirements about your ordinary residence since having been granted that permission.

The Government’s regulations about who pays ‘home’ fees and who pays ‘overseas’ fees is different in England – read more about this on the UKCISA website.

If you are have applied for asylum and are awaiting a decision, you are considered to be an asylum seeker. If you have been refused asylum and are appealing against that decision, you may still be considered as an asylum seeker while you await the result of that appeal. Asylum seekers are not usually eligible for student finance and support in the UK. However, some asylum seekers may be eligible for ‘home’ fees and/or support through their relationship with a relevant family member, and some universities and colleges offer scholarships to students seeking asylum in the UK.

Find out more about scholarship opportunities on the STAR website.

If you have been granted limited leave to remain (LLR) or discretionary leave to remain (DLR) by the UK Government, you have permission to stay temporarily in the UK and will have confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the UK Home Office. Usually, you will be considered as an ‘overseas’ student and not eligible for student finance. However, some universities and colleges offer scholarships to with an insecure immigration status.

Find out more about student finance for students with an insecure immigration status on the We Belong website.

If you don’t think any of these descriptions apply to you, or if you're still uncertain, visit the UKCISA website.

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