Loughborough University is offering the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships for students beginning their doctoral studies in October 2026, February 2027, or July 2027. This scholarship has been created to support individuals whose education, safety, and life opportunities have been disrupted by conflict, persecution, displacement, or serious threats in their home countries.
The Sanctuary Scholarship scheme reflects Loughborough University’s commitment to widening access to higher education for people who may otherwise be unable to pursue advanced study. For many scholars facing danger, forced displacement, or political and social instability, continuing education can become extremely difficult or impossible without targeted institutional support. This scholarship is designed to remove major financial barriers and help eligible candidates pursue a PhD in a safe and supportive academic environment.
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a stipend of £21,805 per year, set at the recommended UKRI rate, for up to three years of full-time PhD study. The stipend is also subject to annual uplifts. Part-time PhD study in the UK may also be considered under specific conditions.
The application deadline is Monday 22 June 2026.
About the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships are intended for individuals who can be described as at-risk scholars. These are people whose lives, education, or future opportunities have been seriously affected by dangerous or unstable circumstances such as conflict, persecution, war, displacement, or threats to personal safety.
The scheme exists because Loughborough University recognises that talent and academic potential are not always matched by equal access to opportunity. Some highly capable students may be unable to progress to doctoral study because they have been forced to leave their home, live in unsafe conditions, or face persecution if they remain in or return to their country.
Through this scholarship, the University aims to provide access to advanced research study for people who need meaningful institutional support to continue their academic journey.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships will receive a generous support package for doctoral study.
The scholarship provides:
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Full tuition fee coverage
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the duration of the award. This removes one of the biggest financial barriers to undertaking a PhD at a UK university.
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Annual stipend
Scholars will receive a stipend set at the recommended UKRI rate of £21,805 per year.
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Three years of support for full-time PhD study
The award is available for a period of three years for full-time PhD study.
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Annual stipend uplifts
The stipend is subject to annual uplifts, meaning the amount may increase in line with relevant updates.
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Part-time study may be considered
Applicants who wish to study part-time in the UK may also be considered, but specific conditions apply.
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University-funded scholarship
The scholarships are funded through Loughborough University funds.
What the Scholarship Does Not Cover
Although this is a highly supportive scholarship, applicants should note that it does not cover every possible cost connected to study in the UK.
The scholarship does not cover:
- Travel costs
- Visa application costs
- Other related relocation costs, where required
Students are expected to fund their own travel and visa costs through other sources.
This is an important point for applicants to consider before applying, especially those who are currently outside the UK and may need to relocate in order to begin their PhD studies.
Entry Dates for the Scholarship
The Sanctuary PhD Scholarships are available for entry in:
- October 2026
- February 2027
- July 2027
Applicants should ensure that their PhD offer from Loughborough University aligns with one of these available entry points.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships, applicants must meet several important conditions.
Applicants must:
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Hold an offer for a PhD programme at Loughborough University
Applicants must already have received an offer of study for a postgraduate research programme at Loughborough University. This offer may be either:
- Conditional
- Unconditional
Scholarship applications will not be considered unless the applicant is holding an offer at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
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Apply for a postgraduate research programme first
Applicants cannot apply for the scholarship before applying for and receiving an offer from Loughborough University. The scholarship application must come after the PhD offer has been issued.
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Show evidence of exceptional academic achievement
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability. However, the University considers academic achievement in relation to the applicant’s circumstances. This is important because many at-risk scholars may have experienced serious disruption to their education.
The University is not only looking at achievement in ideal conditions. It is also considering achievement relative to the barriers, instability, or disruption the applicant has faced.
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Be considered an at-risk scholar
The scholarship is designed specifically for people whose safety, education, or life chances have been affected by conflict, persecution, displacement, or similar circumstances.
Who Is Considered an At-Risk Scholar?
Loughborough University explains that it is difficult to provide one fixed definition of an at-risk scholar. However, the University uses a framework to assess whether an applicant’s circumstances meet the purpose of the Sanctuary Scholarship scheme.
Applicants may be considered at risk if their situation involves one or more of the following:
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Living in a region affected by conflict or war
Applicants may qualify if their home is located in a region where conflict or war places their life, or the lives of their family members, in danger.
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Risk of forced displacement
Applicants may be considered at risk if they could be forcibly displaced due to persecution or dangerous conditions.
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Risk of imprisonment, injury, death, or persecution
Applicants may qualify if they or their family face imminent danger, including the risk of imprisonment, injury, death, or persecution.
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Danger if required to return home
Applicants who are currently in the UK may also qualify if returning to their home country would place their life or safety at much greater risk.
This framework allows the University to assess applicants whose circumstances may vary widely but who share a common need for protection, support, and access to education.
How to Apply for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships
The scholarship application process is an open competition. This means eligible applicants will be assessed competitively, and awards will be made based on the University’s selection process.
Applicants must follow the correct order when applying.
Step 1: Apply for a PhD programme at Loughborough University
Before applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship, applicants must first apply for a postgraduate research programme at Loughborough University.
Step 2: Receive a conditional or unconditional offer
Applicants must wait until they have received an official offer letter from Loughborough University. This offer can be conditional or unconditional.
Step 3: Apply for the scholarship
Once an applicant has received an offer, they can apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship using the online application form provided by the University.
The application link was referenced as “Apply now” in the provided information, but no direct URL was included here.
Step 4: Complete all parts of the application form
Applicants must ensure that every part of the scholarship application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 5: Wait for confirmation and outcome
After submitting the application, applicants should receive a confirmation email stating that the application has been received.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.
Selection Process
Applications will first be shortlisted. After the shortlisting stage, the final decision on the scholarship awards will be made by a selection panel at Loughborough University.
If an applicant is shortlisted, the University will provide further information about the next steps in the process.
Applicants who receive an award while holding a conditional PhD offer should note that the scholarship will only be confirmed if they meet all conditions attached to their offer.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants should carefully read the important conditions attached to the scholarship before submitting their application.
Key points include:
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You must already hold a PhD offer
Scholarship applications will not be considered unless the applicant is already holding a conditional or unconditional offer from Loughborough University.
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Do not apply before receiving your offer letter
Applicants should not submit a scholarship application until they have received their offer letter.
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Incomplete applications may not be considered
All sections of the application form must be completed in full.
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Late applications will not be accepted
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
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Conditional offers must be fully met
If a scholarship is awarded to an applicant with a conditional offer, the award will depend on the applicant meeting those conditions in full.
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Travel and visa costs are not covered
Applicants must make separate arrangements to cover travel and visa-related expenses where required.
Part-Time PhD Study Conditions
The scholarship may consider applicants who wish to study part-time in the UK, but there are important restrictions.
If an applicant is currently outside the UK and wishes to study part-time, Loughborough University will not be able to sponsor them in the UK on a student visa.
For applicants already based in the UK who wish to be considered for a part-time PhD scholarship, additional conditions apply.
Applicants in full-time employment will not be eligible for a part-time scholarship. However, applicants may be considered if they:
- Work part-time
- Have caring responsibilities
- Have other requirements that make part-time study necessary
This means part-time awards are possible, but they are not automatic and will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships is:
Monday 22 June 2026
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships provide more than financial support. They offer an opportunity for at-risk scholars to continue their education, rebuild academic pathways, and contribute to research despite the serious challenges they may have faced.
For individuals whose education has been interrupted by conflict, persecution, or displacement, access to doctoral study can be life-changing. A PhD can open doors to academic careers, research leadership, policy influence, professional advancement, and long-term personal stability.
The scholarship also strengthens the role of universities as institutions of protection, opportunity, and intellectual freedom. By supporting at-risk scholars, Loughborough University helps preserve academic talent that might otherwise be lost due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control.
Final Reminder
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships are open to eligible PhD applicants who already hold an offer from Loughborough University and who can demonstrate that they are at risk due to conflict, persecution, displacement, or serious threats to safety.
Applicants should first secure a PhD offer, prepare a complete scholarship application, and submit it before the deadline of Monday 22 June 2026.
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