At the University of Cambridge, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. 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.
The University of Cambridge is a welcoming and international community, and the city of Cambridge itself has been awarded ‘City of Sanctuary’ status.
We recognise that you may have experienced barriers and difficulties that can have a significant impact on educational opportunities and outcomes.
- If you have qualifications obtained outside of the UK, visit the International Qualifications page for more information on whether we can accept your qualifications. If you need further advice, you can approach any College admissions office.
- Our applying pages feature information about the Cambridge application process. This includes details of our Extenuating Circumstances Form which can be used to declare significant disruption to your education or life. It is important that you let us know about these so that we can assess your academic profile in the appropriate context.
- The Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship is a full-cost scholarship for undergraduate or postgraduate applicants to the University of Cambridge 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.
- Those from forced migration backgrounds who are unable to meet Cambridge’s usual academic entry requirements may be interested in the Cambridge Foundation Year that offers a free pathway to degree study in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. For more information, visit the course page and our specific eligibility guidelines for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
If you are unsure on your fee status, you can find advice from the UK Council for International Student Affairs. You may also wish to visit the STAR scholarship list, which may offer suggestions for students who cannot access Student Finance because of their fee status.
You may also be interested to visit the University’s Refugee Hub, run by the Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement.