The University of Cambridge is proud to have been awarded University of Sanctuary accreditation. The move enshrines a commitment from the University to support people from displaced communities who come to the UK with the hope of continuing their studies or academic careers and to providing a safe space for them. Those fleeing war or conflict in their home countries often have their education or research disrupted and can endure years of trauma. The University has established a small team to ensure they are properly catered for.

The University has a long tradition of providing for refugees and asylum seekers. When the Soviet Union invaded Hungary in October 1956, around five hundred students fled the country and settled in the UK. The University of Cambridge provided places for a number of these and was instrumental in settling the remainder into other universities around the UK.

Funding for students with refugee status is available from the Cambridge Trust. The Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship, named after the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Chair of the Cambridge Trust and Master of Magdalene College, was established in 2018 and has supported a total of 72 students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) since then.

In 2022, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the University funded 23 residential placements for academics and postgraduate students from 14 Ukrainian universities. From 2022 to 2024 the University hosted more than 60 doctoral students from Kharkiv on seven week placements. More recently, the University has provided scholarships to students from Palestine and Sudan.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Community and Engagement, Professor Kamal Munir, says:  

“The University is proud of its record in offering a safe haven for those fleeing war, conflict or persecution in their home countries. Receiving the University of Sanctuary accreditation is important as it signifies we are an institution that is inclusive, that supports talented individuals whose education has been disrupted and that cares about people. It also highlights our commitment to ensuring we provide a welcoming home for young refugees, many of whom are left traumatised by their experiences.”

Universities of Sanctuary is a national network of university staff, students, and academics working to make the UK’s higher education institutions places of safety, solidarity, and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary. It works alongside local City of Sanctuary groups as well as charities and groups that support refugees. Cambridge joins 50 other universities and higher education institutions that have the accreditation.

Maryam Taher, Universities of Sanctuary Programme Manager, says:

“The awarding panel was delighted to recognise the University of Cambridge as a University of Sanctuary. Throughout the application process, we were impressed by the University’s clear commitment to welcome and support people seeking sanctuary. From the strength of its sanctuary scholarships and trauma-informed student support, to its impactful research and meaningful partnerships across the city, Cambridge has demonstrated a genuine institution-wide approach to embedding sanctuary values. We look forward to seeing the University build on this momentum and continue expanding opportunities for those affected by forced displacement.”

The Mastercard Foundation Programme is also available to refugee students from Africa and the University provides fellowships to displaced scholars through the CARA scheme.

Shaliny Lingeswaran co-chairs the University of Cambridge’s STAR (Student Action for Refugees) group and is an equal access advocate for it. She is a refugee herself, having fled the Sri Lankan civil war with her mother while she was only 9 years old:

“I’m excited to hear this news and glad it’s come while I’m still a student here. In terms of what kind of support we need to have in place it’s important to have people available who can signpost students towards the relevant sources. Cambridge is a large university with 31 Colleges so sometimes I feel things aren’t as streamlined as they could be. It’s important students from forced displaced backgrounds receive guidance so their mental health and academic support needs are met.”

Cambridge has been a City of Sanctuary for ten years. Cambridgeshire County Council also has Council of Sanctuary status. The University will collaborate with partners within the city and county on shared objectives and planning of future events. A dedicated website has been established to highlight the support that is available to students and staff and to share information on the initiative.

Words: Paul Seagrove

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