The University of Gloucestershire has been awarded University of Sanctuary status by City of Sanctuary UK this July 2026, recognising its longstanding commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.
The university has extensive links to community groups which support forced migrants – including Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees – and a long track record of supporting individuals with backgrounds in forced migration in both its staff and student community.
It is a member of the Council for At-Risk Academics, and offers the Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarship which provides financial and pastoral support for students from forced migration backgrounds.
Mohammed Hady from Syria was the university's very first postgraduate student to be awarded the Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarship, which allowed Mohammed to study at the university and graduate with a first-class MSc in cyber security.
As well as his academic achievements, Mohammed has now been granted refugee status, and lectures at the university, where he is also a member of its Sanctuary Steering Group.
He said: 'I am incredibly proud that University of Gloucestershire has been recognised as a University of Sanctuary. This award reflects the university’s genuine commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary.
'As a Sanctuary Scholar, I have experienced this support first-hand. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to learn from exceptional academics and professionals, and to contribute to the university community. This is what led me to become a member of the Sanctuary Steering Group, where I have the privilege of supporting others on similar journeys.
'Being part of the Sanctuary Steering Group has given me the opportunity to see the dedication, compassion, and hard work of colleagues across the university. I am proud to now be a lecturer and postgraduate supervisor at the university. Having the opportunity to share knowledge and support students in their own academic journeys is incredibly rewarding, and it highlights the life-changing impact that education and opportunity can have.
'I am honoured to be part of a university whose values are reflected not only in this award but also in the everyday actions of its staff, students, and wider community.'
Co-chair of the university’s Sanctuary Steering Group and senior lecturer in human geography, Dr Rachel Bennett, said: 'We’re extremely proud to have been awarded University of Sanctuary status by City of Sanctuary UK. Our commitment to offering sanctuary links to our core values of integrity, nurture, curiosity, and ambition. Inclusivity is at the heart of our education goals, ensuring the University of Sanctuary value of welcome is at the core of our learning activities.'
Sanctuary Steering Group co-chair and research fellow in the Countryside and Community Research Institute, Dr Demelza Jones, added: 'We are committed to deepening understanding of forced migration across both the university and wider local community.
'We are delighted to have received this recognition as we want people seeking sanctuary to know that their participation in our community is warmly welcomed, and that there is support for them available within the university.'
