During times of international crisis that may affect our staff and students, the welfare of our community is the first priority of the University. In partnership with the Colleges, we attempt to provide support for all members of our community around their wellbeing and work.
The University’s public response during conflict and crisis
Conflicts and humanitarian crises are tragic realities of our world. These situations, whether enduring or sudden, arising from conflict, violence, or natural disasters, often lead to calls for a public response or comment from the University as an institution.
It is neither appropriate nor feasible for the University to comment on every crisis at an institutional level. The University is not a political organisation or advocacy group and will not make statements that comment on the political aspects of conflict and crises.
Cambridge’s role is to support our academics and students to provide evidence and research to help make sense of crises and provide new ideas or data to help the global community to respond. The University must also create the space for our scholars and students to have their own moral and intellectual conversations within the law.
When the University does issue statements regarding global crises or conflicts, it will do so within the framework of its institutional teaching and research mission, while prioritising the safety and well-being of its staff and students.
As a charity we are governed by the law governing charities making political or campaigning statements. Refer to the government’s website.
Freedom of speech and right to protest
The University supports the right to freedom of speech within the law for its staff and students. Members of our community may hold diverse views regarding conflicts and crises and we will uphold their right to make and discuss those views within the law.
During global crises, within the city of Cambridge, the University and its Colleges may witness vigils and protests demonstrating solidarity, where individuals express their opinions and sentiments. The University remains committed to supporting free speech and the rights of its members to participate in vigils and protests, within the law.
Support for students
If you need support or someone to talk to, speak to your tutor, who can provide initial guidance. The University's Student Support service is also available all year round. If a conflict or crisis is having an impact on your work, you can contact your Director of Studies or academic supervisor.
In addition to the links above and support from the collegiate University, charities and the NHS offer services:
- Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.
- The NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental healthcare, if their situation is not life-threatening.
Support for staff
If you need support or someone with whom to talk, we urge you to speak to your line manager. The Staff Counselling Centre is also available to provide emotional support. Staff may also wish to contact one of the University’s Wellbeing Advocates or Dignity at Work Contacts for support and advice. Support is also available from the University’s Trade Unions.
In addition to the links above and support from the collegiate University, charities and the NHS offer services:
- Samaritans is an independent listening service – always available 24/7 by telephone or online chat.
- The NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental healthcare, if their situation is not life-threatening.
Our ongoing support – sanctuary and scholarship support
At the University of Cambridge, we welcome applications from all backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers.
We are a welcoming and international community and the city of Cambridge itself has City of Sanctuary status.
Refugees, asylum seekers or anyone from a forced migration background may have specific concerns when considering or starting university, and it’s important to us that they feel supported during this time. We recognise that you may have experienced barriers and difficulties that can have a significant impact on educational opportunities and outcomes.
We hope that the resources below are useful for your application. You may also be interested in the University’s Refugee Hub, run by the Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement.
- If you have qualifications obtained outside of the UK, visit the international qualifications page to see whether we can accept your qualifications. If your qualifications don’t meet our minimum requirements, please contact the department to explain your status and to check whether they will still consider an application from you.
- The Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship is a full-cost scholarship for applicants who face severe barriers in accessing higher education. For more information, visit the Trust website and Cambridge Refugee Scholarship Campaign site as well as their studentship guide.
- Applicants with asylum seeker, refugee or humanitarian protection status are eligible for an application fee waiver.
- If you are unsure of your fee status, you can find advice from the UK Council for International Student Affairs. You may also wish to visit the Student Action for Refugees scholarship list.
Cambridge supports the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), an organisation providing urgent assistance to academics facing immediate danger, forced exile, or who choose to continue working in their home countries despite significant risks.
The University is committed to supporting CARA Fellowships for academics at risk and welcomes applications from such individuals.