Starting or continuing university after experiencing displacement can come with additional challenges. You might have questions about applying to Exeter, your fees, funding or what support is available once you're here.

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You don't have to work through all of this on your own. There is support available at Exeter for students who are seeking asylum or have refugee status, and we're here to help you understand your options.

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What's the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?

You might see different terms used when looking for support, so it can help to understand what they mean.

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• An asylum seeker is someone who has asked for protection in the UK and is waiting for a decision on their asylum claim.

• A refugee is someone who has been granted refugee status after being recognised as needing protection.

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Your immigration status can affect things like your tuition fee status, access to Student Finance and the funding available to you. If you're unsure how your status affects your studies, it's important to get specialist advice rather than trying to work it out alone.

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Can I get support when applying to Exeter?

Yes. The University considers the circumstances in which applicants have achieved their qualifications.

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If you're applying for an undergraduate course and you're seeking asylum, have refugee status, humanitarian protection or meet certain other immigration-status criteria, you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

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Check the University's contextual offer guidance to see the current eligibility criteria. The University will also take into account relevant mitigating circumstances when making offers to postgraduate applicants.

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If circumstances outside your control have affected your education or qualifications, you can also make the University aware of these when you apply.

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What is a contextual offer?

A contextual offer takes into account the circumstances in which you've achieved your qualifications.

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If you meet the University's eligibility criteria, you may receive an offer with lower academic grade requirements than the usual offer for your course. Receiving an offer isn't guaranteed, and some courses have specific requirements that still need to be met.

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The University's eligibility checker can help you find out whether you may qualify.

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Is there financial support for asylum seekers and refugees?

Depending on your immigration status and circumstances, you may not be able to access the same Student Finance as other students.

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However, there may be other funding available to help you study at Exeter.

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The University of Exeter's Sanctuary Scholarship supports eligible asylum seekers and refugees who aren't able to access Student Finance.

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The scholarship is currently available for eligible students applying for full-time undergraduate and doctoral-level programmes. It can provide support towards tuition fees and living costs. Some courses aren't covered, so it's important to check the latest eligibility criteria before applying.

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Check the University's Sanctuary Scholarship page for current eligibility, what's included and how to apply.

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You may also be entitled to support through the government; check out their website for further information.

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What about my tuition fee status?

Your immigration status can affect whether you're charged home or international tuition fees, and the rules can be complicated.

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Don't assume that having refugee status, seeking asylum or having another form of permission to stay automatically means you'll be charged a particular fee.

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If you're unsure about your fee status, contact the University for advice about your individual circumstances.

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What support is available once I'm at Exeter?

Support doesn't stop once you've been accepted onto your course.

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The University has support available for students who are refugees or seeking asylum, including through Exeter Cares. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to help you understand the support available and navigate university life.

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There may also be additional support around areas such as accommodation. For example, eligible Exeter Cares students can speak to the team about their accommodation options.

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If something is affecting your studies, wellbeing or finances, we'd encourage you to reach out rather than trying to manage everything by yourself.

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How can we help?

There can be a lot to navigate, particularly when your immigration status affects your fees or access to funding.

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Our Advice Team can help you:

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• understand what financial support may be available

• explore your options if you're worried about money

• understand University processes

• find the right University or specialist service for your situation

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For immigration or asylum advice, we'll help you find an appropriately qualified specialist service rather than advising you on immigration law ourselves.

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Complete our enquiry form to speak to the Advice Team for free, confidential and impartial support.

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Whatever your circumstances, asking for support is a good place to start. We'll help you work out who you need to speak to and what your next steps could be.