Strathclyde has been awarded University of Sanctuary status in recognition of its long-standing commitment to supporting refugee and asylum seeker students and academics.
The award, from the national charity City of Sanctuary UK, acknowledges Strathclyde’s wide-ranging support for applicants, students and staff who have experienced forced migration, including the provision of scholarships, mentoring, academic opportunities and active engagement with local and national networks.
Strathclyde is one of 34 UK universities to have gained the accolade, which reflects the University’s leadership in widening access to higher education and its work to remove barriers for those with forced migrant status.
Inclusive community
Amanda Baldwin, Head of Access, Equality and Inclusion at Strathclyde and the Sanctuary Co-ordinator, said: “We are proud to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary. This award reflects the efforts of many colleagues across the University who are committed to building a welcoming and inclusive community for all. We remain dedicated to ensuring that those seeking sanctuary are supported to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging at Strathclyde.”
Since 2014, the University has awarded 59 Asylum Seeker Scholarships, funded in partnership with the Carnegie Trust. The support provided includes support to meet the cost of tuition fees, support with study materials and travel costs, IT hardware and access to mentoring schemes, mental health services and academic skills programmes.
The University also collaborates with local organisations, including The Bridges Programmes and the Scottish Refugee Council, to provide outreach and guidance for prospective students navigating the higher education system. In December 2024, it expanded this work through a new partnership between students on the MSc Education programme and clients of The Bridges Programmes.
Sanctuary principles
Strathclyde’s institutional efforts are underpinned by an ambitious three-year action plan focused on learning, embedding and sharing sanctuary principles. This includes developing trauma-informed teaching practices, increasing academic and pastoral support, and furthering staff training on issues affecting people seeking sanctuary.
The University is also supporting a newly formed Student Action for Refugees Group in Strath Union.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said:
Strathclyde’s founding values are rooted in being a place of useful learning for all. As a socially progressive university, we believe in equitable access to education and opportunity. I am delighted that our efforts to create a welcoming environment for those seeking sanctuary have been recognised with this award.
Legal advocacy
The University’s extensive work includes supporting at-risk academics through the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA) programme, running dedicated language classes and providing legal advocacy via its award-winning Law Clinic. Staff and students are also involved in research, teaching and community engagement projects that directly benefit migrant and refugee populations.
City of Sanctuary UK coordinates and supports individuals, groups and organisations across the country to encourage inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background.