What is the University of Sanctuary initiative?

Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of universities welcoming people seeking sanctuary through facilitated access to higher education (HE), supporting local refugee communities, and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group in pursuing HE. 

The principles of Learning, Embedding and Sharing have been developed in recognition of the unique role Higher Education Institutions can play in creating and promoting a culture of welcome in their institution, and more widely in their local community, and, as a collective body, across the UK. 

Individually, Universities as places of research and learning, are ideally placed to develop and promote learning about what it means to seek sanctuary, to embed this learning within their institution, and to celebrate and share their practices of welcome with other Universities and the wider community.

Collectively, Universities as part of the Higher Education sector can play a significant part in catalysing welcome in the UK.  

Click on the resource pack to read more, including case studies, links to other organisations and recommendations as well as information about accreditation.