Humanitarian support for forcibly displaced students and academics has been recognised as the University’s official ‘Sanctuary’ status has been reaffirmed.
The University's official ‘Sanctuary’ status has been reaffirmed.
Leading role
The renewed award of ‘Sanctuary’ status acknowledges Edinburgh’s continuous progress and innovation in humanitarian education and engagement, building on its long history of support for at-risk scholars.
In 2017, Edinburgh was the first higher education institution in Scotland to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary.
The award is bestowed by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of over 370 organisations and services that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
The award recognises organisations that have committed to providing support to those seeking sanctuary in the UK, to raise awareness of the issues they face and encourage inclusivity, compassion and solidarity with refugees.
The Education Beyond Borders programme's first cohort of postgraduate students.
Beyond borders
In 2024,the University launched its Education Beyond Borders initiative, offering funding and support for forcibly displaced scholars, and bringing together all sanctuary related activity into unique programme.
The trailblazing scheme has more than doubled its reach since launching, supporting 52 students and academics in its second year and expanding its offering via distance and online learning opportunities for the first time.
Current participants come from countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, Pakistan, Palestine, Yemen, Albania, Azerbaijan and Kenya.
The scheme has created bespoke mentoring, language and wellbeing systems to support individuals both academically and personally, also encouraging pathways to further study and employment.
Vital support
The University’s response to global crises was also highlighted by City of Sanctuary UK as an example of best practice.
Partnerships, such as Edinburgh’s collaboration with Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, have helped foster collaborative research, created new opportunities for students and staff, and provided support to sustain learning during conflict.
Most recently, the University supported the evacuation of scholars from Gaza to start their study programmes via fully funded scholarships, working with a network of peer institutions across the country, and alongside the Scottish and UK Governments.
Shakya Seresinghe, from Sri Lanka, recently graduated with distinction as part of the Education Beyond Borders programme's first cohort.
Developing research
As well as ensuring access to education for students, the University also supports researchers who have been forcibly displaced through fully-funded fellowships delivered in partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), providing sanctuary for scholars and their families for two years.
In addition, the Education Beyond Borders Research Community was created to further the academic study of forced migration and displacement.
In 2025, five research projects received funding to explore themes ranging from refugee education and wellbeing, to mental health impacts and employment opportunities for displaced people in Scotland.
Ongoing engagement
The University continues to develop and enhance its programme of activity and outreach aligned to the needs of displaced scholars, with a Sanctuary Research Symposium planned for 2026.
It also plays a vital convening role within Scotland’s wider Universities of Sanctuary network, supporting other institutions, including Edinburgh College, to achieve Sanctuary status, alongside engagement programmes that support local community groups and charities working with refugees.
Our ongoing recognition as a University of Sanctuary reflects our strong belief that we should be a place of safety, belonging and opportunity for all, welcoming those whose pursuit of education and knowledge is disrupted through war, displacement and conflict.
Professor Kim Graham
University of Edinburgh Provost
The University of Edinburgh has developed a deeply embedded approach to providing sanctuary for forcibly displaced scholars and has truly embraced an ethos of positive welcome across the institution.
Edinburgh has enhanced and expanded its level of support - the creation of the Education Beyond Borders programme shows what a sustained, multi-year commitment can do to develop a strong, culturally sensitive approach to sanctuary.
Sian Summer-Rees
Chief Officer, City of Sanctuary UK
