Meet one of our Sanctuary Scholars

People are on the move more than ever before. According to recent UN figures, an estimated 281 million people live somewhere other than their country of birth.

Around 43 million of those people are being hosted as refugees worldwide, having faced dangers such as conflict or persecution in their home countries. Many young refugees have experienced significant disruption to their education.

Through its Sanctuary Scholarships, Oxford Brookes provides access to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree for students who are seeking asylum in the UK or are dependent on someone seeking asylum. The scholarship, currently awarded to one student each year, offers financial and welfare support.

Our academics are helping increase understanding of the migrant and refugee experience through the University’s Migration and Refugees Research Network. Oxford Brookes is also working towards becoming a University of Sanctuary - an initiative that requires commitment to supporting prospective and current students, as well as members of the local community, who are asylum seekers and refugees.

Are you interested in supporting students who are refugees? 

Find out about Student Action for Refugees, a national network of students who help build greater understanding of the issues faced by refugees through volunteering, campaigning and learning.

Moreblessings Nyamukanga

Former Sanctuary Scholar Moreblessings Nyamukanga graduated in September with a BA (Hons) in Social Work. Moreblessings spoke to Student News about her experience at Brookes:

“My mum moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2002. However, immigration laws meant that my younger sister and I weren’t able to join her until 2013. I went to sixth form in Southend-on-Sea and applied to study at the University of London, but unfortunately the rules around student finance had recently changed and I was no longer eligible for support.

“A few years later I joined my sister at an Oxford Brookes Applicant Day and fell in love with the University and the beautiful city. My sister encouraged me to apply - I did that through Clearing, got a place on the Social Work course and was successful in applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship. 

“When I first came they put on a breakfast for all the Sanctuary Scholars, which really helped me settle in. If I ever needed support with anything, the staff at Brookes - academic and welfare - were always really quick to help. I loved my course, especially the placements and my classmates, and it was great to have face-to-face interactions again after the pandemic. I’m now preparing to do my Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, which is a recommended route for newly qualified social workers.

“By supporting initiatives like the Sanctuary Scholarship, Brookes is giving more people the opportunity to go to university and get a degree.”