Offers pre-sessional English courses specifically designed to prepare international students for university study.

• Duration: 5-40 weeks (depending on current level)
• Cost: £1,600-£10,000 (scholarships available for refugees)
• Location: Canterbury Campus
• Entry Requirements: Varies by course length; lower IELTS scores accepted for longer courses

Key Benefit: Guaranteed progression to your degree course upon successful completion

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Provides free English classes specifically for refugees at various levels, from beginner to advanced.

• Duration: Ongoing weekly classes
• Cost: Free
• Locations: Multiple locations across Kent (Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, Canterbury)
• Additional Support: Conversation practice, exam preparation, and cultural orientation

Key Benefit: Classes designed specifically for refugees with trained volunteer teachers

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Offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses at various levels, with reduced fees for refugees.

• Duration: Term-based courses (10-12 weeks)
• Cost: From £50 (fee reductions or waivers available for refugees)
• Locations: 12 centers across Kent county
• Qualifications: Courses lead to nationally recognized ESOL qualifications

Key Benefit: Structured curriculum with qualified ESOL teachers and formal qualifications

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Free online resources to help you prepare for the IELTS exam, which is often required for university admission.

• British Council IELTS Preparation - Free practice tests and preparation materials
• IELTS Official Sample Questions - Practice with authentic test questions
• Free IELTS Practice Tests - Complete practice tests for all sections
• British Council Learn English - General English skills development

Pro Tip: Many Kent universities accept lower IELTS scores for refugees if you agree to take additional English support during your studies.

Comprehensive scholarships specifically for refugees and asylum seekers to study undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

• Value: Full tuition fees plus £5,000 per year living costs
• Eligibility: Refugee status, humanitarian protection, or asylum seeker
• Application Deadline: 31 May 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year
• Number Available: Limited number awarded annually based on merit

Application Process: Apply through the university's scholarship portal after receiving an offer of admission

Scholarship Details

Scholarships for asylum seekers and refugees to study undergraduate courses.

• Value: Full tuition fees
• Eligibility: Refugee status, humanitarian protection, or asylum seeker
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year
• Support Included: Additional support package including mentoring and study resources

Application Process: Separate application form after receiving an offer of admission

Financial Support

Small grants to help refugees and asylum seekers with educational costs.

• Value: Up to £500
• Eligibility: Refugees and asylum seekers aged 16-25
• Covered Expenses: Books, equipment, travel, exam fees, and other educational costs
• Application Process: Through a referral from a support worker

Key Benefit: Can cover costs not included in other scholarship programs

Grant Information

Information on student finance eligibility for refugees and those with humanitarian protection.

• Eligibility: Refugee status or humanitarian protection (not usually available for asylum seekers)
• Support Available: Tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and grants
• Application Timing: Apply as early as possible before your course starts
• Documentation Required: Proof of status, identity, and residence

Important Note: Those with Discretionary Leave to Remain may have different eligibility criteria

Check Eligibility

Student Action for Refugees (STAR) maintains a comprehensive database of scholarships available to refugees across UK universities.

• Coverage: Over 70 universities offering sanctuary scholarships
• Updated: Regularly maintained with the latest scholarship information
• Search Options: Filter by location, study level, and eligibility criteria

Key Benefit: The most comprehensive list of refugee-specific scholarships in the UK

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KRAN supports unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young refugees aged 16–24. Their services include:

• Learning for Life: An education program preparing young asylum seekers for college
• Advocacy and Support: Assistance with integration, mental health, and navigating UK systems
• Mentoring: Pairing young people with community volunteers for guidance and support

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Kent Kindness offers support and hope to young asylum seekers and refugees living in Kent. Their central project provides:

• Life Skills Classes: Teaching essential skills for independent living
• Mentoring: One-on-one support to navigate daily challenges
• Community Integration: Activities and events fostering a sense of belonging

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A community-led charity in Canterbury that supports refugee families through:

• Resettlement Assistance: Helping families integrate into the community
• Volunteer Support: Offering English conversation practice and friendship
• Community Events: Organizing activities to promote inclusion and cultural exchange

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An umbrella group working with local organizations in East Kent to:

• Promote Sanctuary Values: Encouraging communities to be welcoming to refugees
• Coordinate Support Efforts: Sharing resources and best practices among member organizations
• Expand Networks: Establishing new branches in areas like Dover, Canterbury, and Thanet

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A national charity founded in Kent, offering support to asylum seekers and refugees, including:

• Asylum Support Services: Assistance with the asylum process and accessing services
• Resettlement Programs: Support for Syrian refugees and other resettlement initiatives
• Victim Support: Aid for victims of modern-day slavery and human trafficking

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A national charity providing advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers, with services including:

• Asylum Support: Guidance through the asylum process and appeals
• Resettlement Assistance: Helping refugees integrate into UK society
• Campaigning: Advocating for a fairer asylum system and refugee rights

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A UK-wide charity connecting refugees and asylum seekers with hosts offering temporary accommodation, providing:

• Hosting Opportunities: Matching guests with hosts who have a spare room
• Support Services: Ongoing assistance to both hosts and guests during placements
• Collaborations: Working with organizations like the British Red Cross and Refugee Council

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A charity focused on supporting female refugees and asylum seekers by:

• Safe Spaces: Providing environments for women to come together in solidarity
• Educational Programs: Offering English lessons and confidence-building activities
• Advocacy: Campaigning against injustices faced by refugee women in the UK

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Learn My Way offers free beginner-friendly courses to help you gain basic digital skills needed for everyday life and education. Ideal for refugees who are new to using computers or the internet.

Topics include:

• Using a computer or smartphone
• Creating and using email accounts
• Searching safely online
• Accessing public services and education tools

Key Benefit: Self-paced, simple lessons with translation support available in some languages.

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Digital Kent runs local workshops and outreach programs across Kent to improve digital access for marginalized communities, including refugees.

Support includes:

• Digital inclusion events in Canterbury and Ashford
• Free training in using devices and digital tools
• Help with accessing government and educational services online

Key Benefit: Offers face-to-face support tailored to refugees in Kent.

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BBC Learning provides tutorials on digital literacy and using the internet safely, suitable for older learners or those with limited prior experience.

Topics include:

• Using devices
• Online safety
• Searching and using email
• Managing your digital identity

Key Benefit: Very accessible and easy-to-understand videos and articles.

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The British Council's platform provides free resources to improve your general and academic English skills online.

Sections include:

• Listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities
• Interactive grammar and vocabulary exercises
• Games and quizzes
• Access to IELTS preparation materials

Key Benefit: Structured English learning for all levels with refugee-specific support tips.

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Coursera partners with universities worldwide to provide free courses in subjects like computer science, business, English, and more.

Many universities and non-profits offer free access to refugees.

Look for:

• "Coursera for Refugees" programs
• Certificates in job-ready skills

Key Benefit: Boost your qualifications and skills from home with a recognized global platform.

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FutureLearn offers free and paid online courses from UK institutions including the University of Kent and University of Leeds.

Courses on:

• Preparing for university in the UK
• Learning English for academic purposes
• Refugee integration and social support

Key Benefit: Courses are made for international learners and include certificates.

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Khan Academy is a global, nonprofit education platform offering free, high-quality lessons in a wide range of subjects. Perfect for learners of all ages.

Subjects include:

• English and reading
• Math (from beginner to advanced)
• Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Life skills and personal finance

Key Benefit: No account needed; easy-to-use lessons in multiple languages.

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When applying to UK universities, especially as a refugee or asylum seeker, you'll typically need the following documents:

• Proof of Identity and Immigration Status: This includes documents like your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), Home Office letters, or an Asylum Registration Card (ARC).
• Academic Qualifications: Certificates or transcripts from your previous education. If your qualifications are from another country, you may need a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC to validate them.
• English Language Proficiency: Evidence such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, or alternative qualifications accepted by the university.
• Personal Statement: A written statement explaining your interest in the course, your background, and your aspirations.
• Reference Letter: Typically from a teacher, tutor, or someone who can attest to your academic abilities and character.

For more detailed information on required documents, you can refer to the following resources:

• Refugee Education UK – Qualifications and Documents Guide
• Refugee Education UK – How to Apply to University
• Student Action for Refugees – Access to University FAQs

Several organizations offer comprehensive guides to assist refugees and asylum seekers in applying to UK universities:

• Student Action for Refugees (STAR): Provides a step-by-step guide to applying to university, information on scholarships, and pre-university courses.
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• Refugee Education UK (REUK): Offers FAQs on qualifications, application processes, and funding options tailored for refugee and asylum-seeking students.
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• University of Leicester – Sanctuary Seekers' Unit: Provides guidance for applicants with refugee or asylum-seeking status, including course choices and funding options.
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• Cambridge Refugee Hub: Offers resources for refugees and asylum seekers considering higher education, including application guidance and support services.
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For a comprehensive overview, you can download the following PDF guides:

• A Guide to Studying in the UK for Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Provides detailed information on qualifications, application processes, and support services.
  Download Guide
• University Entry for Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Offers guidance on entry requirements, funding, and support available for asylum seekers and refugees.
  Download Guide