Up to £1M in additional support for those seeking sanctuary Published on: 20 June 2022 Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is increasing its support for students and colleagues escaping war or at risk of persecution. In response to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world, a grant of up to £1 million has been made available by the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Development Trust - a registered charity that is independent of Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Part of this support will be used to fund additional Sanctuary Scholarships for people who have been forcibly displaced from their home country as a result of war and conflict and wish to study an undergraduate, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research degree at the University. The University will also increase opportunities for colleagues through expanding its long-standing partnership with the which helps academics and scientists fleeing from discrimination, persecution, suffering and violence in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has been a member of the CARA Universities Network since 2013 and regularly hosts both PhD and post-PhD CARA Fellows. In addition, the new funding will be used to provide opportunities for two-year Fellowships as part of the new ‘’ programme, launched earlier this year by CARA with the British Academy. The programme will see universities, CARA and a range of research funders working together to offer Fellowships that will allow at-risk researchers to continue their work, enhance their skills and build links with colleagues. Part of Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s existing package of support for refugees and asylum seekers, both Sanctuary Scholarships and support through CARA, demonstrate our long-standing commitment to offering education, research and engagement opportunities to support refugees and asylum seekers and all people fleeing violence and persecution. Professor Julie Sanders, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “As a University of Sanctuary, we are committed to providing a welcoming place of safety for all, so we are very grateful to the Development Trust that their generous donation will allow us to increase the support for students and colleagues escaping conflict or persecution. “As is always the case in times of crisis, the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ community has come together to offer support for people who have been directly affected by the appalling events in Ukraine. We continue to work with our partners across the city to identify ways in which we can provide support for all those seeking sanctuary and support at this time.” Established in 1972, the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Development Trust is a registered charity that operates independently of Âé¶¹´«Ã½. It receives and invests funds from donors for the benefit of the university, and awards grants twice a year to fund a range of academic posts, student support initiatives and other projects. Hilary Parker, Chair of Trustees, Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Development Trust, said: “The terrible events in Ukraine are having a devastating impact on so many people so we are pleased that we are able to support them and others seeking sanctuary at the University.” Funding to support our place as a University of Sanctuary is also being provided through the Campaign for Âé¶¹´«Ã½ - the biggest fundraising endeavour in the University’s history. The campaign aims to inspire support for future students, future research and a future of positive change in our city and around the world. For more information and to donate, visit Sanctuary Scholarships consist of full tuition fee support and a bursary for living expenses and are available for the duration of the course. For more information about the Researchers at Risk Fellowship programme, visit For details of other ways we are supporting students and staff impacted by the war in Ukraine, visit /who-we-are/war-in-ukraine/ Share: Latest News Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Student leader drives misogyny law change A Âé¶¹´«Ã½ student leader has helped change the law after creating a petition to make misogyny a hate crime, which gathered over 114,000 signatures, prompting action in Parliament. published on: 12 June 2026 Freemen of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ see construction of new Castle Leazes The Freemen of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and other key stakeholders have become an indelible part of new student accommodation at Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s Castle Leazes. published on: 12 June 2026 Facts and figures