Sanctuary seekers

Welcoming sanctuary seekers to the University of Reading

The University of Reading is recognised as a University of Sanctuary and is committed to welcoming and including sanctuary seekers across our teaching, research and community activities. We value the rich contribution those seeking sanctuary can make to our institution and life in Reading.

We achieved the University of Sanctuary Award in 2023, endorse the City of Sanctuary charter, have pledged our commitment to Reading City of Sanctuary, and signed the national organisational pledge to City of Sanctuary.

The University of Sanctuary Award recognises ‘universities that have gone above and beyond to provide an understanding, compassionate, and safe experience that would enable people seeking sanctuary to thrive and recognise their potential’.

Read the University's press release.

Refugee Week 2026

30 May - 12 June 2026

On campus and in the Reading area

Events range from informal, community-building activities, to creative workshops, exhibitions, and discussions, including shared experiences beyond the campus. Together, they create spaces to listen generously, build connections across differences, and explore courage as something practised collectively.

Find out more and get involved in our Refugee Week activities

Sanctuary scholarships

Nine Sanctuary Scholarships are available annually for sanctuary seekers (people with refugee, humanitarian protected or asylum seeker status) in recognition of the disruption to education that displaced people may experience.

The scholarships provide opportunities for those taking pre-sessional, undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses, helping to ensure equal access to higher education for sanctuary seekers.

Council for at-risk academics

Through our partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), the University of Reading supports academics affected by conflict, persecution and forced displacement. As part of our commitment as a University of Sanctuary, we work to create opportunities for at-risk academics to continue their teaching, research and professional development in a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to contribute their expertise to our academic community and beyond.

Support for local sanctuary seekers

The Global Academy at the University works with Breaking Barriers to provide English language support and tutoring for local sanctuary seekers preparing for university studies.

Our Careers Service has previously worked with Reading Refugee Support Group to support employability skills development for local sanctuary seekers. We continue to signpost to specialist employability support and training available through local partner organisations.

Visit our English language support for sanctuary seekers webpage for more information.

Event sign declaring the University of Reading as a sanctuary university

Events and opportunities

Portraits of resilience and sanctuary

Photos from the Portraits of Resilience / Sanctuary exhibition, delivered in partnership with Refugee Support Group and supported as part of the University's commitment as a University of Sanctuary.

In autumn 2026, the University of Reading partnered with Refugee Support Group to host Portraits of Resilience / Sanctuary, a photography exhibition exploring journeys of sanctuary, courage and belonging. Through portraits and personal stories, the exhibition celebrated the talents, experiences and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, inviting staff, students and visitors to engage with the individuals behind the labels and learn more about the communities that enrich our society.

The exhibition was displayed in the University Library, bringing stories of sanctuary into a shared public space and encouraging reflection, learning and conversation across the University community.

Co-producing knowledge with sanctuary seekers

Our research seeks to involve sanctuary seekers in co-producing knowledge to improve the lives of sanctuary seekers in the UK and globally. Many academics and researchers are working on issues of forced migration to raise awareness and achieve policy and practice change.

Support, opportunities and community activities for for sanctuary seekers

More information

For more information on University of Sanctuary activities at the University, please email humanitarianandcivic@reading.ac.uk.

City of Sanctuary

Refugee Week 2026

Sanctuary scholarships

Council for at-risk academics

Support for local sanctuary seekers

Events and opportunities

Portraits of resilience and sanctuary

Co-producing knowledge with sanctuary seekers

Support, opportunities and community activities for for sanctuary seekers

More information

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