In response to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world, a grant of up to £1 million has been made available by the Newcastle University Development Trust - a registered charity that is independent of Newcastle University.

Part of this support will be used to fund additional Sanctuary Scholarships for people who have been forcibly displaced from their home country as a result of war and conflict and wish to study an undergraduate, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research degree at the University.

The University will also increase opportunities for colleagues through expanding its long-standing partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) which helps academics and scientists fleeing from discrimination, persecution, suffering and violence in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Newcastle University has been a member of the CARA Universities Network since 2013 and regularly hosts both PhD and post-PhD CARA Fellows.

In addition, the new funding will be used to provide opportunities for two-year Fellowships as part of the new ‘Researchers at Risk’ programme, launched earlier this year by CARA with the British Academy. The programme will see universities, CARA and a range of research funders working together to offer Fellowships that will allow at-risk researchers to continue their work, enhance their skills and build links with colleagues.

Part of Newcastle University’s existing package of support for refugees and asylum seekers, both Sanctuary Scholarships and support through CARA, demonstrate our long-standing commitment to offering education, research and engagement opportunities to support refugees and asylum seekers and all people fleeing violence and persecution.

Professor Julie Sanders, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “As a University of Sanctuary, we are committed to providing a welcoming place of safety for all, so we are very grateful to the Development Trust that their generous donation will allow us to increase the support for students and colleagues escaping conflict or persecution.

“As is always the case in times of crisis, the Newcastle community has come together to offer support for people who have been directly affected by the appalling events in Ukraine. We continue to work with our partners across the city to identify ways in which we can provide support for all those seeking sanctuary and support at this time.”

Established in 1972, the Newcastle University Development Trust is a registered charity that operates independently of Newcastle University. It receives and invests funds from donors for the benefit of the university, and awards grants twice a year to fund a range of academic posts, student support initiatives and other projects.

Hilary Parker, Chair of Trustees, Newcastle University Development Trust, said: “The terrible events in Ukraine are having a devastating impact on so many people so we are pleased that we are able to support them and others seeking sanctuary at the University.”

Funding to support our place as a University of Sanctuary is also being provided through the Campaign for Newcastle University - the biggest fundraising endeavour in the University’s history. The campaign aims to inspire support for future students, future research and a future of positive change in our city and around the world. For more information and to donate, visit supportus.ncl.ac.uk

Sanctuary Scholarships consist of full tuition fee support and a bursary for living expenses and are available for the duration of the course. 

For more information about the Researchers at Risk Fellowship programme, visit https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/researchers-at-risk-fellowships/

For details of other ways we are supporting students and staff impacted by the war in Ukraine, visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/who-we-are/war-in-ukraine/