Refugee Week 2021: Language Provision and Sanctuary Scholarship Schemes

Researchers at the University of South Wales (USW) have published findings of their case study into the experiences of sanctuary seekers at the university.

To gather the evidence, Dr Mike Chick and Dr Cath Camps interviewed 15 sanctuary seekers and explored the impact of USW’s free language provision on the participants. Specifically, the recruitment process, the student learning environment, and perceptions of the benefits of the language provision.

The report identifies barriers that potential and current forced migrant students face and sets out a series of recommendations, including better marketing of Sanctuary Schemes to potential students, designated points of contact in university departments, and the instigation of mentoring programmes.

In 2020, USW became only the second HE institution in Wales to be awarded University of Sanctuary status. This recognises USW’s commitment to creating a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, its campuses.

Dr Chick leads the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Sanctuary Scheme at USW, which allows refugees and asylum seekers to access language tuition and language preparation before starting their degree – something that isn’t offered by any other university in Wales.

Dr Mike Chick, said: “For everyone, gaining qualifications provides a degree of security for the times ahead, but for people seeking refuge in another country, the benefits of attending a university are even more immediate. Higher education study provides hope for the future, a structure to daily life and opens the doorway to meeting others and integrating with a new community.

Nevertheless, as this report has illuminated, many potential forced migrant students are missing out on the chance to access university due to barriers such as awareness, documentation, language, and finance. Until there is a change in immigration law, for example, by allowing people seeking sanctuary to work or access education, then university sanctuary schemes offer the best prospect for facilitating the education and integration of forced migrants who aspire to study at higher education.”

Harry Iles, Chair of the Welsh Refugee Council, said: “The Welsh Refugee Council have long recognised the importance of supporting access to education and I am very impressed by the University of South Wales’ scholarships and bursary schemes for people seeking refuge.

“Providing educational opportunities is one of the main principles of the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” aspiration and the initiatives detailed on these pages are evidence of how universities are uniquely placed to contribute to this humanitarian ambition.

“The voices contained within this report are testament to the crucial role universities can play in allowing those seeking safety in Wales to live their lives with dignity. Moreover, providing forced migrants with access to higher education allows the creation of spaces to bring people together, which is vital for breaking down barriers, promoting understanding, and enhancing integration.”