The University of Cambridge has a long-standing tradition of welcoming people from around the world, including those from conflict zones and the persecuted. The University aims to contribute to society through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge.
In February 2024, the University signed the pledge to become a University of Sanctuary.
We promote a culture of welcome within the collegiate University for those seeking sanctuary.
Support for students and academics
The University provides support for its students and academics.
Supporting academics
The University is part of the Council for At Risk Academics network. This provides support for academics in immediate danger and helps them find a safe place to continue their work, with their families too.
On the research side the Cambridge Refugee Hub advances research, practice and policy at the University. They also host Cambridge Refugee Week.
Cambridge University Help for Ukraine was launched in 2022 to support academics and students which included fully funded residential placements, in a wide range of subjects, for them to continue their studies and research in Cambridge, clinical placements for medical students, and help for academics still working in Ukraine.
Supporting students
The University and Colleges are committed to widening participation in higher education. We want to attract and support all students in applying to and studying at the University of Cambridge.
To support this, we run many initiatives each year. These initiatives include:
- Our free and fully-funded Foundation Year programme
- One of the most generous bursary support packages in the UK through the Cambridge Bursary Scheme
- Outreach initiatives and events in Cambridge and across the UK
Humanitarian Response Fund
The University launched the Humanitarian Response Fund to support students impacted by conflict or humanitarian crises. This fund supports living costs up to £5,000 in addition to hardship grants in addition to any College awards and the University's standard financial assistance award of £3000 for the academic year 2024–25.
Scholarships
There are scholarships available to open pathways to Cambridge for students. These provide support to students to enable them to benefit from the educational and research opportunities offered at the University.
The Cambridge Trust manages scholarships including the Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship. This is for those from an area of instability or zone of conflict and/or who have been at risk of discrimination, persecution, suffering, violence or other abuse of their human rights.
Other outreach scholarships are available, such as the Stormzy Scholarship.