University of Reading Sanctuary PhD Studentships 2026

The University of Reading is pleased to offer a PhD studentship for sanctuary seekers to recognise the educational disruption suffered by displaced people, and to support those affected in accessing postgraduate research studies.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
2. Study Level: PhD
3. Value: £20,780 annual stipend
4. Sponsor: University of Reading
5. City: Reading
6. School: University of Reading
7. Eligible Countries: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for University of Reading Sanctuary PhD Studentships 2026

To be eligible to apply, you must:

1. have been granted Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status, or
2. have been granted a form of leave (leave to remain, limited leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain, humanitarian protection) as the result of an asylum application or human rights application, or
3. have been granted settlement in the UK through the ARAP or ACRS schemes for Afghan refugees or
4. have entered the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship (Home for Ukraine) scheme and have been resident in the UK since your leave was granted.

You must also:

1. qualify for Home Fees status at the point of application*
2. have applied to study full or part-time on campus for a PhD programme at the University of Reading to commence in September 2025
3. currently reside in the UK
4. not be in receipt of any other studentship funding
5. not be a current PhD student enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Reading.

*Please note that not every immigration status listed above (e.g. discretionary or limited leave to remain) automatically qualifies an applicant for Home Fees status.

Applicants unsure of their fee status will need to contact Postgraduate Admissions for more information.

Benefits of University of Reading Sanctuary PhD Studentships 2026

Funding is available, which covers:

1. PhD fees at the Home fees rate;
2. a stipend (or living allowance) which usually aligns with the minimum UKRI rate (in 2025/26, this is £20,780 per annum);
3. a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) allowance of £1,000 per annum (for research and training costs such as conference attendance).

Studentships can be held on a full-time or part-time basis. Funding is for four years full-time or six years part-time. This scheme is not open to applicants for the By-Distance mode of study.

How to Apply

1. Apply for a place on a PhD programme at the University of Reading via the online RISIS portal by 27 February 2026. You must upload confirmation of your immigration status as part of your application via RISIS. For information on how to apply for a place on the programme, please visit our website.
2. Complete the short online Sanctuary PhD Studentship application form.

For more details, visit University of Reading Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

February 27, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for University of Reading Sanctuary PhD Studentships 2026