Some students are not just looking for funding. They are looking for safety, stability, and a real chance to continue their education.
That is why the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships 2026/27 is important. This scholarship is for students whose education and life opportunities have been affected by conflict, persecution, or displacement, and who need support to access advanced study.
The award covers 100% tuition fees and provides a yearly stipend of £21,805 for full-time PhD study at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host University | Loughborough University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Scholarship Type | Sanctuary PhD Scholarship |
| Degree Level | PhD / Research Degree |
| Eligible Students | UK and international students |
| Location | Both Loughborough campuses |
| Funding | 100% tuition fees plus stipend |
| Stipend | £21,805 per year |
| Duration | 3 years for full-time PhD study |
| Study Start Dates | October 2026, February 2027, or July 2027 |
| Application Deadline | Monday, 22 June 2026 |
About the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships
Loughborough University is offering the Sanctuary PhD Scholarships for students who want to start a research degree in October 2026, February 2027, or July 2027.
The scholarship was created to support people whose education has been disrupted by serious situations such as conflict, persecution, or displacement. It is not just a normal academic award. It is for applicants who may not be able to access higher education without this kind of support.
If you are checking other fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe, you may also want to read about these MSCA PhD positions in Italy with structured doctoral training. It can help you compare how European PhD funding schemes are usually organised.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees. It also provides a stipend of £21,805 per year, set at the recommended UKRI rate.
The funding is for 3 years of full-time PhD study and is subject to annual uplifts.
The university may also consider applicants who want to study part-time in the UK. However, there are important conditions for part-time applicants, especially around visa sponsorship and employment status.
Applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover travel costs or visa costs. This means students who need to travel or apply for a visa must find other ways to fund those expenses.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this scholarship, you must already hold an offer of study for a postgraduate research PhD programme at Loughborough University. The offer can be conditional or unconditional.
Applicants must also show evidence of strong academic achievement. However, Loughborough University considers academic achievement in relation to the applicant’s opportunities and the disruption they have experienced.
Most importantly, applicants must be considered an at-risk scholar.
Who Is an At-Risk Scholar?
Loughborough University does not use one strict definition for an at-risk scholar. Instead, the university looks at the applicant’s situation using a framework.
You may be considered at risk if your home is in a region affected by conflict or war, and your life or your family’s lives may be in danger.
You may also fit the category if you could be forcibly displaced because of persecution, or if you or your family are at risk of imprisonment, injury, death, or persecution.
The university also considers applicants who are currently in the UK but would face a much greater risk to their life or safety if they returned to their home country.
This makes the scholarship especially important for students who have strong academic potential but are facing serious safety, political, or humanitarian challenges.
Important Rule Before You Apply
This is the part you must not miss.
You cannot apply for the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship first and then look for admission later.
Loughborough University clearly states that applicants may only apply for the scholarship after receiving an offer for a PhD programme at the university. Scholarship applications will not be considered unless the applicant already has a conditional or unconditional offer at the time of submission.
So, the right order is simple:
Apply for a PhD programme at Loughborough University first.
Receive your conditional or unconditional offer.
Then submit the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship application.
If you are still exploring where to apply, you can also compare this with a fully funded PhD assistantship in the USA, especially if you are open to assistantship-based doctoral funding outside the UK.
Selection Process
The scholarship application is an open competition. Applications will first be shortlisted, and the final decision will be made by a selection panel at Loughborough University.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email. If your application is shortlisted, the university will provide further information about the next stage.
If an applicant receives the scholarship while holding a conditional offer, the award will only stand if the conditions of that offer are fully met.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships is:
Monday, 22 June 2026
Late applications will not be considered. Also, applications will only be considered if all parts of the form are completed in full.
Because you need a PhD offer before applying for the scholarship, you should not wait until the deadline is close. Departments may need time to review your PhD application, assess your documents, and possibly conduct interviews.
How to Apply
To apply for the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship, you must first apply for a postgraduate research degree at Loughborough University and receive an offer.
After receiving your offer letter, you can complete the scholarship application form.
Final Advice for Applicants
This scholarship is for students whose academic journey has been affected by difficult circumstances. So your application should not only show your academic strength. It should also clearly explain your situation, the disruption you have faced, and why this scholarship is necessary for you to continue your PhD study.
Do not rush the application. Start with the PhD admission process first. Once you have your offer, complete the scholarship form carefully and submit it before the deadline.
If your research interest is closer to AI, misinformation, psychology, or climate communication, this fully funded UCD PhD studentship in Ireland may also be worth checking.
For students at risk of conflict, persecution, or displacement, the Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarship is more than funding. It is a chance to continue advanced study in a safer and more supportive academic environment.
