The University of Liverpool has signed up to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) Global Pledge for expanding refugee access to Higher Education.
The UNHRC, with its global network, aims to expand access to higher education and self-reliance for refugee and host community youth. It has launched this global initiative which recognises the range of essential contributions that can be made by stakeholders around the world.
The University has committed to providing:
- Up to 4 Asylum Seekers Scholarships each year for undergraduate students who are seeking asylum in the UK or are dependents of.
- 2-3 Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters students who have refugee status outside the UK or for Ukrainian Nationals who have EU temporary protected status. The Humanitarian Scholarships are offered across a wide range of subjects, with one dedicated to law courses funded through the School of Law and Social Justice.
In addition, the English Language Centre provides support for students to be equipped with the language skills they need to fully participate in the courses when they arrive in Liverpool.
The Humanitarian Scholarship and Asylum Bursary, along with membership of Cara and support for British Academy Researchers at Risk, form part of the University's commitment to applying for University of Sanctuary status and its commitment to supporting global humanitarian initiatives.
Professor Gavin Brown, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education at the University of Liverpool said: "We are a civic university with a global reputation and I'm incredibly proud that we've signed this pledge and continue our ongoing work to create a stimulating, safe and inclusive community for students from across the world. Students who have already accessed these scholarships have talked about their transformative power and it's crucial we play our role in creating opportunities for those who are experiencing difficult circumstances."