Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship United Kingdom, 2025/2026
Loughborough University is a globally recognized institution known for its excellence in research, teaching, and student support. With two dynamic campuses in Loughborough (East Midlands) and London, the university offers a world-class learning environment that fosters academic success and professional growth. Loughborough University is committed to inclusivity and social responsibility, actively supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including those facing humanitarian challenges.
The Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 is an initiative designed to provide asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals seeking humanitarian protection with the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in a supportive and inclusive academic environment. This fully funded scholarship covers all tuition fees and living expenses, making it an exceptional opportunity for talented international students facing adversity.
Scholarship Description
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship aims to support high-achieving students who are seeking asylum or refuge. This fully funded opportunity allows recipients to pursue their research at either the Loughborough or London campus, ensuring they receive comprehensive academic and financial support.
This scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a bursary to support living costs throughout the PhD program. By eliminating financial barriers, Loughborough University ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their research and academic development.
The scholarship is available for students starting in October 2025 or January 2026, and applications must be submitted by 23 June 2025. This initiative is part of the university’s broader commitment to social inclusion, ensuring that talented students facing humanitarian challenges can access higher education.
Scholarship Benefits
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship offers a range of financial and academic benefits, ensuring scholars receive the necessary support to thrive in their studies.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire duration of the PhD program.
- Living Costs Support: A full bursary of £19,237 per annum, aligned with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend rate.
- Annual Adjustments: The bursary amount is subject to yearly uplifts to ensure scholars receive adequate financial support.
- Three-Year Funding: The scholarship is available for three years for full-time PhD students.
- Access to University Resources: Scholars will have full access to Loughborough University’s state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, and academic support services.
- Inclusive and Supportive Environment: The university provides dedicated support for students from diverse backgrounds, including those with refugee status.
This scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity for scholars to pursue their research without financial constraints, fostering an environment where academic potential can flourish.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Humanitarian Status:
- Must be an asylum seeker, refugee, or an individual seeking humanitarian protection.
Academic Requirements:
- Must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research background.
- Must hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a PhD program at Loughborough University (Loughborough or London campus).
Residency and Study Mode:
- Full-time applicants can be based in the UK or overseas.
- Part-time applicants must be residing in the UK and/or have caring responsibilities.
- Applicants who are employed full-time are not eligible for the scholarship.
These eligibility criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine need for support.
Application Procedure
Applying for the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship is a two-step process that includes securing an admission offer and completing the scholarship application.
Step 1: Apply for a PhD Program
Before applying for the scholarship, applicants must first apply for a PhD program at Loughborough University. This includes:
- Selecting a research topic and potential supervisor.
- Submitting a PhD application through the Loughborough University admissions portal.
- Receiving a conditional or unconditional offer letter from the university.
Applicants cannot proceed with the scholarship application until they have received an official admission offer.
Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application
Once an offer has been obtained, applicants must complete the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship application form, available on the official Loughborough University website.
- Ensure that all sections of the application form are fully completed.
- Submit the application before the deadline of 23 June 2025.
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission of the application.
Step 3: Selection Process
- The scholarship selection process is highly competitive.
- Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, research potential, and humanitarian need.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.
This process ensures that only the most deserving candidates receive this prestigious award.
Why Choose Loughborough University?
Loughborough University is a prestigious institution recognized for its cutting-edge research, outstanding academic programs, and commitment to inclusivity. Here are some reasons why it is an excellent choice for PhD students:
- World-Class Research Environment: The university is ranked among the top universities in the UK for research quality and innovation.
- Supportive Community: Loughborough University fosters a diverse and welcoming community for international students, including those facing humanitarian challenges.
- Excellent Career Development: PhD scholars have access to career services, industry connections, and networking opportunities to enhance their professional prospects.
- Two Campus Locations: Scholars can choose between the Loughborough campus (East Midlands) and the London campus, both offering state-of-the-art research facilities.
With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and social impact, Loughborough University provides a transformative learning experience for its students.
Conclusion: Apply Now for a Life-Changing Opportunity
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 is a life-changing opportunity for talented students who are asylum seekers, refugees, or individuals in need of humanitarian protection. By offering a full tuition waiver and a generous stipend, this scholarship allows scholars to pursue their research ambitions without financial barriers.
With a deadline of 23 June 2025, prospective applicants should begin their PhD application process early to secure their place at Loughborough University.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Take the next step in your academic journey and apply today for a fully funded PhD scholarship at one of the UK’s top universities.
Official website :
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/research-degree-funding/sanctuary-phd-scholarships/#:~:text=The%20University%20has%20four%20scholarships,start%20in%20the%202025%2F2026
