Accessing University in the UK for people seeking refuge

1. Accessing University in the UK for people seeking refuge Chris Smart STAR Equal Access Coordinator

2. Aims for the session • STAR and Equal Access – what we do • Scholarships what/where are they and who are they for? • The application process • Organisations and courses which can help • Questions and discussion

3. STAR and Equal Access • What is STAR? • Network charity • Student involvement • National campaigning • Equal Access Campaign • 10 years • Partnership with the NUS • Coordination of scholarship programs • Campaigning nationally for equal access

4. Scholarship list LINK HERE Currently 62 scholarships and bursary programs in the UK Big variety, eligibility differs across each, as does application process Postgraduate and Undergraduate are catered for but not all are both Different levels of funding, some are comprehensive, some are partial and some are fee waiver only Updated regularly on the STAR website

5. Other support Funds Programs • The UNITE Foundation - Free accommodation • Free university accommodation for care leavers and estranged students aged 25 or under, holding home fee status and undertaking an undergraduate degree. Apply here. • Hope for the Young - Grants • This organisation provides small grants towards tuition and living expenses for asylum seekers. Apply here. • Family Action - Grants • Provides grants to support people begin or continue their studies (for people with right of residency only). Apply here. • Refugee Survival Trust (Scotland) - Grants • Provides small grants which enable refugees and asylum seekers to access education and employment such as application fees or book costs. Apply here. • Reconnect • REFUAID • MOOCs – massive open online courses

6. Application process Different for each program Almost all require you to have a place at that University before applying Advice for UCAS personal statements can be found online Search UCAS support and look at the UCAS website as well as student support sites like thestudentroom Apply early to give yourself as much time as possible with the scholarship application

7. Contacting Universities and Explaining circumstances • How to make sure Unis have the correct information • Consider writing a cover letter • Make your financial circumstances clear on application • If possible speak to student advice or a scholarship program coordinator

8. External support – advice services • STAR – campaigning organisation, not an advice service but many services do exist to help • Refugee Support Network (RSN) • UKISA • CORAM –children’s legal centre • Refugee council therapeutic services • UCAS advice on Student finance for refugees and asylum seekers

9. External support – Courses • MOOCs What are they? • Preparing for University, in partnership with the University of East Anglia • Course enrolment • Aim higher: access to higher education for refugees and asylum seekers in partnership with Cambridge assessment English • Course enrolment • Inside IELTS: Preparing for the test with the experts in partnership with Cambridge Assessment English • Course enrolment • Study skills for international students in partnership with the University of East Anglia • Course enrolment • How to succeed at: Writing applications in partnership with the University of Sheffield • Course Enrolment • Study UK: prepare to study and live in the UK in partnership with the British council • Course enrolment

10. Questions and discussion Chris Smart – equalaccess@star-network.org.uk – I can’t give legal advice or help with immigration or help with UCAS applications but I can direct you to organisations which can. Its ALL on the STAR website