“The scholarship has had a profound impact on my life, my studies, and my overall experience at Bath,” says Victor Adesope, who had been living in the UK before seeking asylum when he applied to study.

Now he has graduated with a master’s in data science, supported by a Sanctuary Scholarship funded by the University of Bath UCU and the Alumni Fund.

One of the major barriers to education for asylum seekers is affordability. Unlike refugees, they are not usually eligible for student loans and must pay international tuition fees, making scholarships vital.

To fund the Sanctuary Scholarship, the local branch of the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) – the trade union for academic, academic-related and professional services staff at the University – increased their monthly membership fee in memory of former Branch President Marie Morley.

“Our whole branch is truly proud of the Marie Morley Sanctuary Scholarship, which has been a fantastic way to collectively put into practice our core values of solidarity across borders and supporting a free education for all,” says Ben Ralph, current Branch President of Bath UCU.

The scholarship consisted of a bursary to cover living costs, funded equally by the Union and the University, including a contribution from the Alumni Fund, and a fee waiver covering tuition fees.

“As an asylum seeker, you’re not allowed to work,” says Victor. “I volunteered in my local church but, having worked all my life, the waiting became increasingly difficult. Time was passing, and I felt an urgency to upskill and do something meaningful. The scholarship was a beacon of hope when I felt stuck in uncertainty.”

After five years of waiting for an outcome, Victor’s initial asylum claim was rejected. “Working on my appeal while studying was incredibly stressful, but the Bath UCU supported me every step of the way,” says Victor.

“Without the scholarship, winning our appeal would have been significantly more challenging,” he adds. “From the computer that allowed me to prepare essential legal documents, to the analytical skills I developed through my degree, which enabled me to present data clearly before a judge – in many ways, my studies directly influenced the appeal process.”

Victor has since been granted refugee status and is now pursuing a career in data science. “I am profoundly grateful to the University and Bath UCU, whose support has been instrumental in this journey and will always remain a significant part of my story.”

Galadriel Ravelli, Branch Secretary of Bath UCU, adds: “Victor’s case shows just how life-changing scholarships like this can be. We were delighted to meet Victor and some of his family at his recent graduation, to celebrate his degree.”

In 2020, the University of Bath became a University of Sanctuary, conferred by the charity City of Sanctuary. This recognises the University’s efforts to support students from refugee and asylum backgrounds financially, academically and pastorally. It also recognises how research from Bath, and new initiatives in learning and teaching including new courses, have bolstered these efforts.