University of Sanctuary

Welcome

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for people seeking sanctuary, including refugees, asylum seekers and those displaced by conflict. Through scholarships, tailored student support, community partnerships, research, curriculum development and public engagement, we work to reduce barriers to higher education and help people access opportunities to learn, develop and succeed.

Our sanctuary work forms part of the University's wider commitment to widening participation, equality, inclusion and civic engagement. We believe that higher education should be accessible to all who have the ability and aspiration to benefit from it, regardless of their immigration status or personal circumstances.

What Does Being a University of Sanctuary Mean?

Being a University of Sanctuary means going beyond providing educational opportunities. It involves creating a culture of welcome, promoting understanding of forced migration and displacement, and working alongside communities and organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

At Cardiff Met, this is reflected through:

• Sanctuary Scholarships and financial support
• Dedicated mentoring and student support
• Community partnerships and outreach activity
• Research and knowledge exchange
• Curriculum content that explores sanctuary-related issues
• Support for displaced academics
• Engagement in local, national and international sanctuary initiatives

Scholarships & Financial Support

Sanctuary Scholarships

Cardiff Met's Sanctuary Scholarship scheme provides opportunities for people seeking sanctuary to access higher education and achieve their academic potential.

The scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers and support students throughout their studies.

Scholarship support includes:

• Tuition fee support
• Financial assistance
• Dedicated mentoring
• Access to specialist student support services
• Loan laptop provision
• Bus passes
• Graduation gown hire

The scholarship package has evolved over time in response to feedback from Sanctuary Scholars. Regular meetings, surveys and focus groups help ensure that support reflects the needs and experiences of students.

Applying

Information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines and the assessment process can be found on our dedicated Sanctuary Scholarship page.

Support for Sanctuary Students

Dedicated Mentoring

Every Sanctuary Scholar is assigned a dedicated mentor who provides individual support throughout the student journey.

Mentors assist with:

• Induction and orientation
• Settling into university life
• Regular check-in meetings
• Accessing University services
• Navigating processes and procedures
• Advocacy and problem-solving where needed

Student Support Services

In addition to mentoring, students can access support from specialist staff across the University, including:

• International Student Support
• International Academic Skills and Advice
• Wellbeing and counselling services
• Careers and employability guidance
• Financial advice
• Disability support

Support is available from application and enrolment through to graduation, helping students fully engage in all aspects of university life.

We recognise that entering higher education can be challenging, particularly for those who have experienced displacement. Our aim is to ensure that students seeking sanctuary feel welcomed, supported and connected to the wider Cardiff Met community.

Sanctuary Scholar Experiences

The experiences of our Sanctuary Scholars are central to the development of our support and scholarship provision.

This is what our scholars have said about their experiences at Cardiff Met:

I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to you all for the incredible work you do and for the continued support you have given me throughout my education.

Your support has made such a meaningful difference to me and has allowed me to continue my education without the financial obstacles that could otherwise have made things much more difficult. I genuinely cannot thank you enough for the opportunities and reassurance your support has provided.

I also really appreciate you taking our feedback seriously and listening to the concerns we raised. Providing the Met Rider Pass and allowing us to roll over our remaining credit has made such a positive difference, and it means a lot to know that our feedback is being heard and acted upon.

I am proud to have graduated with a BA (Hons) in International Hotel and Hospitality Management, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support I received. I hope the Sanctuary Award continues to support many more students seeking safety, education, and a brighter future. Thank you for making a lasting and positive impact on my life.

Thank you so much for everything you do, for listening to us, and for continuing to support students like me. I truly appreciate all the time, effort and care that goes into making the Sanctuary Award possible.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Sanctuary Award team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to achieve my academic goals. The support I received went far beyond financial assistance, it gave me hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging during a challenging period of my life.

Cardiff Met was my oasis in the desert and a place where humanity was restored.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I received through the Sanctuary Award and my time at Cardiff Met. This support made a huge difference in my life, not only academically but also personally. I felt welcomed, respected, and encouraged every step of the way. The university created a safe and inclusive space where I could grow, gain confidence, and plan for my future. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to be part of such a supportive community.

The Sanctuary Award has been a vital support for me. It allowed me to continue my education, feel secure, and focus on my academic goals without the heavy financial burden. As a refugee, starting over in a new country is extremely challenging, but the award and the university community helped me feel valued and included. I appreciate the opportunities, the guidance from staff, and the sense of belonging that Cardiff Met has provided. I am grateful for the support and would strongly encourage others in similar situations to apply.

As a result of feedback received from sanctuary scholars, the sanctuary package offered in 2026 was enhanced to include a bus pass, updated laptops for loan, Cardiff Met branded clothing and the hire of graduation gowns. Their voices have made a difference!

Graduate Stories

We also celebrate the achievements of our graduates:

• Celebrating Success: Syrian Refugee Inas Alali graduates from Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Refugee Week 2026: Nothing is impossible

Community Partnerships

Partnerships play an important role in Cardiff Met's sanctuary work.

We work closely with organisations including:

• Oasis Cardiff
• Welsh Refugee Council
• Displaced People in Action
• City of Sanctuary
• Bridging the Gap

These relationships help us understand the experiences and challenges faced by sanctuary communities and identify opportunities to improve access to higher education.

Ready Access Programme

In partnership with Bridging the Gap, Cardiff Met hosted the Ready Access Programme, supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they explored pathways into higher education.

Participants attended workshops, met University staff and received information about educational opportunities, admissions and support available at Cardiff Met.

Community Projects

Through initiatives such as the Global Grant Scheme and British Academy funding, staff and students have delivered projects designed to support inclusion, resilience and engagement within sanctuary communities.

Examples include:

• A resilience building workshop was designed and delivered for asylum seekers and refugees to help them better understand reactions to stress and uncertainty and to learn strategies to support wellbeing.  
• A two-day conference hosted by Cardiff Met brought together diverse and committed group of academics, practitioners and third-sector stakeholders to discuss and better understand how to support people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Events

Global Week

Global Week is an important platform for raising awareness of sanctuary-related issues and promoting Cardiff Met's Sanctuary Scholarships and support initiatives.

Activities have included:

• Webinars hosted jointly by Welsh Universities to promote the Sanctuary Scholarships
• Myth busting stalls to engage students in conversation about attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees
• The ‘Show your heart’ initiative to ask students and staff to write a welcoming message on a heart for displaced students

Refugee Week

As Refugee Week takes place outside of term time, at a quiet time on campus, each year Cardiff Met supports Refugee Week by promoting events, activities and opportunities for reflection and learning across the University community.

Making a Difference

Cardiff Met is committed to ensuring that sanctuary-related activity leads to meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes.

Cardiff Met and Skovoroda University Partnership

Since establishing a partnership with H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University in 2022, Cardiff Met has supported colleagues and students affected by the conflict in Ukraine through a wide range of collaborative activities. These have included hosting Ukrainian athletes for a training camp, delivering mentoring for Ukrainian academics through the Science for Ukraine initiative, supporting staff and student mobility, providing IT equipment and software, delivering training and skills development opportunities, and facilitating joint conferences, lectures and academic events. The partnership has enabled the sharing of knowledge, strengthened international collaboration and provided practical support to an institution operating in the challenging circumstances created by war.

Research

Research undertaken by Cardiff Met academics has contributed to a greater understanding of the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced communities in Wales and beyond. This work has explored topics including poverty, social support, wellbeing, resilience and the social and psychological impact of seeking asylum, helping to inform policy, practice and support provision for people seeking sanctuary. Research findings have been shared through publications, conferences and sector events, ensuring that evidence and lived experience contribute to wider discussions on inclusion, health and access to opportunities.

‘It’s a difficult situation to be an asylum seeker in the UK. It’s not easy at all’ - Wells, M, Glennan, C. & Seage, C. H (2024)

An exploration of the social and psychological impact of seeking asylum in Wales. This research explores the experiences of people seeking asylum in Wales and highlights the psychological and social challenges associated with the asylum process.

A Systematic Review of the Characteristics of Social Support and Poverty Alleviation among Asylum-Seekers and Refugees Resettled in Western Europe - Wells, M &Wells, M & Seage, C. H (2023)

A review of evidence exploring the role of social support in improving outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers resettled across Western Europe.

Poster Presentation: Social Support and Poverty Alleviation among Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in Wales - Wells, M & Seage, C H (2022)

The dissemination of the British Academy Funded postdoctoral research output on the psychological perspectives on poverty among refugees in Wales.

Why Not Get Involved?

Information for Prospective Students

Useful links:

• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Applying to Cardiff Met
• Advice for Applicants
• Widening Access
• Summer School
• Student Support Services
• Careers and Employability

Useful Organisations

Welsh Refugee Council

Advice and support for refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

Oasis Cardiff

Community-based support, activities and services for refugees and asylum seekers.

City of Sanctuary

A national movement committed to creating welcoming and inclusive communities.

Displaced People in Action

A lived experience-led organisation supporting sanctuary seekers through advocacy, training and partnership work.

Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)

Support for academics affected by conflict, persecution and displacement.

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about Cardiff Met's University of Sanctuary activities or discuss opportunities for collaboration, please contact: Sanctuary@cardiffmet.ac.uk.