Like many young people in the UK, young asylum seekers also hope to go to university to pursue a brighter future.  

While their cases are pending during the lengthy immigration process, these intelligent young people are not allowed to work or access student loans and going to university is only a faraway dream. Thankfully, our supporters are advocates of the belief that everyone who's had to flee their home deserves a chance to live again. This year, our students, staff and alumni took on outdoor challenges to raise money to support talented students who have sought asylum in the UK.

The Sanctuary Scholarships at Sheffield Hallam offer asylum-seeking students the opportunity to transform their lives through education. Comprising of a full tuition fee waiver, an annual maintenance grant, and a bespoke package of tailored support, the scholarships help these students access education and pursue their ambition. 
Recognising the remarkable strength, resilience, and commitment that these scholars have shown, students, staff and alumni tackled the steep hills of Sheffield and ran the Sheffield Hallam Marathon, raising £2,390 for the Sanctuary Scholarships.

To mark his time at the University, Professor Roger Eccleston, alumnus and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) also took on the challenge of canoeing from Fort William to Inverness in support of the Sanctuary Scholarships. Canoeing the length of the Great Glen at the mercy of the Scottish weather, Roger raised £1,577 to help students seeking sanctuary in the UK make the most of what university can offer.

The support doesn’t stop there. Regular donations to the Hallam Fund contribute towards our Sanctuary Scholarships. Not only are our donors giving young asylum seekers the support they need to thrive at university, but are also gifting them hope.

‘The scholarship was the first good news I received since I arrived here. I feel happy and hopeful. I can start my life again. Thank you for giving me hope without judging me. It makes me feel like I am a person of value and that I can still succeed.’

Kiara, postgraduate student

None of this would have been possible without our community. Thanks to your kindness, Kiara can equip herself with the skills needed to find employment and fulfil her dreams of one day giving back to the community.