Access to University

We provide a specialist support service for young refugees and asylum seekers who are having problems accessing University because of their status, or the length of time they have been in the UK.

Young asylum seekers in this country are charged international student fees to go to university, and even those with Discretionary Leave to Remain have problems accessing student support. 

International students come here with the express purpose of studying, and have permission to work.  Young asylum seekers are fleeing conflict and persecution and are not allowed to work.  It seems unjust to treat the most disadvantaged in the same way as some of the most privileged when it comes to paying fees.

We provide one-to-one advice and support to help young people overcome these barriers.

“I came to this country when I was 13, but there were complications with my case, and I had to wait seven years to get a decision from the Home Office.  Getting to university was a big challenge for me because they wanted to charge me international student fees.  How would you feel if you had to sit at home and wait while your friends go to uni and get jobs?  It’s really important to have people who can help you with this.”

– 21 year old girl from Somalia, now starting at university in September.