Globally, just 6% of refugees worldwide have access to higher education, compared to around 40% of the general population.

Can Refugees and/or Asylum Seekers go to university in the UK and Germany?

In the UK: Yes – in most cases people who are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim (asylum seekers) and refugees are able to attend university in the UK. An individual’s immigration status will however affect the fees that they are expected to pay and their eligibility for a student loan. Home Office guidance states that asylum seekers should have permission to study. However, in certain cases, asylum seekers may be subject to a ‘no study’ condition as part of their immigration bail which can restrict their ability to attend university. 

In Germany: Yes - As a rule, refugees are allowed to study at German universities. Normally you won’t encounter any problems if your status is recognised (entitled to asylum, granted refugee protection etc.). The same applies if your application for asylum is still being processed or if you only hold a “tolerated” status. 

Are Refugees charged international fees? 

In general, in the UK people seeking asylum are charged international fees. However, universities have the ability to set their own fee rates and individual universities may have a policy of charging home fees to asylum seekers. 

Individuals who arrived in the UK through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) schemes are normally eligible for student loans and home fee status. Individuals who arrived in the UK through the Ukraine schemes (the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme) are normally eligible for student loans and home fee status.

For a more detailed overview of eligibility for student finance and home fee status, see the Coram Children’s Legal Centre website. 

In Germany there are a number of ways for refugee to cover your expenses while studying. One possibility is to obtain government funding called “BAföG”. The good news is that German universities charge low or no tuition fees. For more guiding information see the Federal Ministry of Education and Research - Study in Germany Website 

Can universities lower the required grades based on the barriers and challenges faced as an asylum seeker?

UK: This may be possible depending on the institution and course you are applying for. Many universities offer ‘contextual admissions’, as part of which they offer lower entry requirements to account for barriers to attending university that individuals may have faced. If you are seeking asylum, you may be eligible for a contextual admissions offer.

Germany: They do not lower entry grades but they support refugee and asylum seeking students through preparatory courses and language classes. The Universities also offer procedures to facilitate the documentation of the higher education entry qualification if certificates of previous studies are incomplete or missing due to forced migration.

What English Language requirements do I need to go to university?

Universities want to know that you have the language and academic skills to cope and complete your course. You should ask the admissions team at the university you are applying to for more information about their particular English language requirements. Universities will usually state which test they prefer, the minimum overall grade they expect, and the grades they require in writing, speaking, listening, and reading. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic and Cambridge English Advanced are the most common English tests accepted by the universities.

Student Visas

The UK has a long history of issuing student visas to individuals from a forced displacement background to come to the UK solely for the purpose of receiving a higher education. However, accessing these opportunities can be difficult due to barriers such as securing proper documentation, evidence of funding and stringent language requirements.

In Germany as a recognised refugee or an individual entitled to asylum, you will be issued a residence permit which is valid for three years. For certain refugees there are special paths of entry to Germany. These include resettlement procedures, humanitarian admission programmes and family re-unification programmes. With the adorementioned residence permits are valid for 3 years and valid for university admission. However, atfter the 3 year period if your personal circumstances (e.g. health conditions) or the situation in your home country dramatically improves, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees may renounce your entitlement to protection. If so, the Immigration Office may revoke (or refuse to renew) your residence permit.

UNHCR conducted a study in 2023, interviewing 19 students, 9 universities and organisations. It explored the barriers faced by students and universities in ensuring that education is accessible to refugees coming to study in the UK. The findings unpack the challenges faced by students and institutions that may prevent refugees from accessing education pathways to the UK and provides recommendations for organisations, universities and the UK Government to overcome these. Challenges such as uncertainty surrounding their continued stay in the UK, as a result of their graduation, their inability to complete the course or expiry of their national passports, take a toll on the students. 

UNHCR has conducted this assessment with the aim of generating insights on how to improve these pathways for students and to equip organisations, universities and the UK Government to make these opportunities safer and reliable.

You can access UNHCR's report here

DAFI Tertiary Scholarship Programme

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme offers qualified refugee and returnee students the chance to pursue an undergraduate degree in their host country or home country. The programme provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, study materials, food and transportation. Additionally, students receive language classes, mentoring, and psychosocial support to enhance their educational experience and overall well-being.  

Private scholarships

There are a small number of private scholarships available for those who cannot get other funding for their studies. These include the Grenfell scholarship, and the Westheimer, Brittan, Marks Family Charitable Foundation scholarships.