If you are looking for a scholarship at King’s College London that does more than simply reduce tuition fees, the King’s College London Sanctuary Scholarship is one worth knowing about. It was created to support people whose education and lives have been affected by forced displacement, conflict or certain asylum-related circumstances.
King’s Sanctuary Programme began in 2015 in response to the global issue of forced displacement. The aim is to give people affected by displacement an opportunity to access higher education, rebuild their lives and reach their potential. King’s says the programme has supported more than 100 scholars and fellows since it began.
Who is the Sanctuary Scholarship for?
The 2026/27 scholarship was specifically aimed at people who fall into King’s stated sanctuary and forced-displacement categories.
Eligible applicants included:
- Asylum seekers.
- People with limited leave to remain in the UK because of an asylum claim.
- People who are at immediate risk from, or displaced by, existing or recent conflicts, whether they are in the UK or overseas.
This is important because the scholarship is not a general international-student scholarship. Simply being an international student or needing financial assistance does not make someone eligible. For prospective scholars exploring global opportunities, such as those hoping to study in the USA with the GHD Scholarship, eligibility requirements vary significantly depending on the specific programme’s mission and geographic focus.
What does the scholarship cover?
For 2026/27, King’s has offered a very substantial package of financial support:
- Academic fee waiver: The scholarship covers the applicable academic fees for the programme.
- Up to £20,000 towards living costs.
- Additional support may be available following an assessment of the individual student’s needs.
It is important to note that this does not mean every successful scholar automatically receives exactly £20,000. King’s says the individual allocation is confirmed in writing when the award is allocated.
The living-cost support is also not described as a separate rent or accommodation payment. It is a general cost-of-living stipend intended to help with the expenses of being a student.
What type of course qualifies?
For the 2026/27 scholarship, applicants needed to have applied for an in-person, one-year programme beginning in September 2026.
For postgraduate applicants, King’s specifically stated that applicants needed to have applied for a one-year postgraduate taught course and must not already hold a postgraduate degree in the UK or overseas.
So, it is best not to assume that every Master’s course at King’s automatically qualifies. The course must meet the scholarship’s specific requirements.
How many scholarships are available?
King’s 2026/27 scholarship page lists 12 awards.
There are also special provisions within the scholarship programme:
- One scholarship was reserved in memory of Dr Maisara Alrayyes.
- One scholarship was reserved through the Bseisu Foundation for a citizen of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, or Syria who had successfully applied for a one-year master’s programme in a STEM subject.
2026/27 Application Process / Timeline
- 2 February 2026 – 10:00 am UK time: Applications open for the Sanctuary Scholarship Application Form 2026/27.
- 30 April 2026: Deadline for applicants requesting the separate King’s application fee waiver.
- 5 May 2026 – 10:00 am UK time: Final deadline for Sanctuary Scholarship applications.
- 6 July 2026: King said to communicate scholarship decisions by email.
- Within 10 days of receiving an offer, successful applicants must accept the scholarship.
For students seeking similar opportunities in the UK, exploring options like the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship can provide a roadmap for competitive postgraduate timelines.
FAQs
Could the scholarship affect other support?
Yes. King’s specifically warns that the scholarship stipend could affect people receiving Home Office asylum support or legal aid.
Anyone in this situation was advised to speak to their legal adviser before applying.
What support is available beyond the money?
One good thing about the Sanctuary Programme is that the support does not stop once the scholarship is awarded.
King’s has a designated Sanctuary Scholar adviser who can help with issues relating to higher education, accommodation, studying and finances.
Sanctuary students can also receive academic and wellbeing support, while the King’s College London Students’ Union runs a buddy scheme to help students make connections and settle into university life. Additionally, students pursuing paths in storytelling or media advocacy might find inspiration in programmes highlighted by the Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award 2026.
King’s also says Sanctuary Scholars are prioritised for its Broadening Horizons Award, which can support eligible students participating in international mobility opportunities.
