University of Sanctuary reaccreditation

York St John University has been reaccredited as a University of Sanctuary, by City of Sanctuary UK.  

The University of Sanctuary award recognises institutions that support and welcome students from backgrounds that have sought refuge in the UK. 

The idea of ‘Universities of Sanctuary’ was developed out of the ‘City of Sanctuary’ movement. The initiative aims to recognise and celebrate the good practice of universities welcoming people seeking sanctuary through facilitated access to higher education, supporting local refugee communities, and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group.   

Professor Richard Bourne, Pro Vice Chancellor Education and trustee of York City of Sanctuary said: 

“We are incredibly proud to be a University of Sanctuary, part of a UK-wide network of universities who foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for asylum seekers and refugees. At York St John University, we are privileged to see the huge difference that education, and our support, can make to the lives of those seeking safety. We remain committed to the City of Sanctuary vision of making higher education institutions a place of safety, solidarity and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.” 

The reaccreditation reflects the University’s ongoing activities to support those seeking sanctuary. These include free English lessons, on campus drop-in sessions with Refugee Action York, an Occupational Therapy led community allotment, a Sanctuary Scholarship programme and access to sports facilities at the University’s sports park. In addition, Occupational Therapy students have worked on a project with Refugee and Asylum Seeker Project Stockton (RASPS) using jewellery-making as a collaborative, community engagement activity to facilitate meaningful occupation for sanctuary seekers, and as a research project.   

The University’s Sanctuary Scholarships cover tuition fees, funding and personalised support to students who have sought refuge in the UK. Testimony from Sanctuary Scholars demonstrates the transformative impact this provision has had. One Scholar stated: 
 
"Receiving the York St John University Sanctuary Scholarship was a life-changing opportunity, and I am so thankful [to you for] making it possible. The chance to study and develop my skills here in the UK has been invaluable. I'm excited to share that I’ve recently secured a job, and this would not have been possible without the scholarship and the education I received at YSJ.” 

One of the English language students said:  

“My experiences at York St John University have been amazing. I have learned and experienced so many new things in such a short period of time. YSJ is a very welcoming place for those who are in my situation, and from the first day, I felt at home here.  

“My teachers are always helpful when I need them, in addition to the knowledge they have and how they deal with students from different cultures. English classes are great and I enjoyed every one of them. Now, I'm doing general English language course to help me in my future and daily communication. As a refugee person, I would like to thank the YSJ for all the the help and welcoming they offered and I am proud to be part of their family.” 

York St John University was first awarded University of Sanctuary status in 2018 and, at that time, was one of only six universities in the United Kingdom and the third university in Yorkshire to have received the accolade.  

Find out more about Universities of Sanctuary on the City of Sanctuary website. 

Read about York St John University Sanctuary Scholarships.