Asylum seekers
We welcome students who may be asylum seekers and can offer support advice and counselling to those starting a new life in the UK.
An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for asylum and is waiting for a decision from the UK government. If you have previously applied for asylum and received a decision, then you are technically no longer an asylum seeker.
Specialist advice
Lena Smith is our dedicated member of staff for students with an asylum-seeking status and will be your first point of contact.
Lena can help you with:
- referral to a trauma specialised counsellor
- support with academic-related issues, including liaising with your academic department and course tutor
- signposting to other Cardiff University services including help to apply for student finance if you become eligible during your studies
- referrals to charities and other potential sources of funding
- general advice if you need someone to talk to
Counselling support
Kathryn Lock is the dedicated contact for students with an asylum-seeking status who would like to know more about accessing counselling and wellbeing support at the university. Kathryn will be your first point of contact if you have questions about accessing support for mental health and wellbeing.
These are some of things Kathryn can help with:
- talking you through the support that is available within counselling, health and wellbeing service
- guiding you through accessing support resources online
- helping you to complete your application for counselling and wellbeing if needed
- signposting you to external support agencies where available
- access to specialised trauma counselling
Find out more about our counselling, health and wellbeing services.
Contact us
You can contact Lena or Kathryn through Student Connect.
Support organisations in Cardiff
Cardiff is recognised as a City of Sanctuary and is committed to:
- encouraging an acceptance of culture, skills and differences and viewing them as a positive addition to the city
- demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting an environment of sanctuary throughout Cardiff where people feel supported and welcomed
- creating relationships, community cohesion and inclusion
There are a number of organisations in Cardiff that can offer you support, including:
Cardiff STAR (Student Action for Refugees)
A student society committed to welcoming refugees and standing up for human rights. Cardiff STAR is involved in campaigning, fundraising, and volunteering.
Welsh Refugee Council
The Welsh Refugee Council empowers asylum seekers and refugees to build new futures in Wales and help create a society where respect and equality for all comes first. They have an office in Cardiff.
Oasis Cardiff
Oasis Cardiff is a non-profit charity that aims to help refugees and asylum seekers integrate within their local community in Cardiff.
Support while you are studying
We aim to foster an excellent and supportive student experience. This includes to nurture and encourage confident and successful futures for all.
Lena Smith is the dedicated contact for Asylum Seekers and Refugees and offers the following support throughout your studies:
- support with applying for student funding and alternative grants and bursaries
- support with academic-related issues, including liaising with your academic department and making students aware of how to apply for extenuating circumstances if needed
- assist with any housing issues.
- sign posting towards other university teams such as supporting disabled students, advice on health and wellbeing or developing academic study skills
- hosting events and activities and being available to talk to if needed.
You can contact Lena through student connect by emailing studentconnect@cardiff.ac.uk.
Other dedicated support
We also offer other dedicated support and information on top of general student life support on offer to all students.
Wellbeing support
Kathryn Lock is the dedicated contact for students with an asylum-seeking status who would like to know more about accessing counselling and wellbeing support here. Kathryn acts as a first point of contact for any students who have questions about accessing support with their mental health and wellbeing.
These are some of things we can help with:
- talking you through the support that is available within counselling, health and wellbeing service
- guiding you through accessing support resources online
- helping you to complete your application for counselling and wellbeing if needed
- signposting you to external support agencies where available
- access to specialised trauma counselling.
You can find more information about Health and Wellbeing services on our dedicated webpages.
You can contact Kathryn through student connect by emailing studentconnect@cardiff.ac.uk
Cardiff Students' Union
Student Action for Refugees are a student society committed to welcoming refugees and standing up for human rights. Cardiff STAR is involved in campaigning, fundraising, and volunteering. One of their campaigns is to achieve University of Sanctuary status, an initiative to embed a culture of welcome to those seeking asylum at Cardiff University.
Refugee and Asylum Seeker voices are essential in this process. Get in touch with STAR if you would be interested in working with them on this project. You can join the Cardiff STAR Facebook group or join the Cardiff STAR Student Volunteering group on Facebook.
Receiving a Home Office decision
We advise that if there are any changes to your status while you are studying to let us know asap.
If your asylum application is granted
If your asylum application is granted during your course of study at the University, your fee status will change to home student with effect from the following academic year. Your Tuition Fee Waiver would no longer be needed.
This would be the case for those:
- granted refugee status
- granted humanitarian protection
- granted discretionary leave
- whose parents, spouse or civil partner are recognised as a refugee by the UK Government
- granted humanitarian protection
- granted discretionary leave and who meet the ‘family condition’ on the date of the family member’s asylum application.
Funding is available from Student Finance if you receive a positive asylum application outcome- see below for more information.
If your asylum application is refused
If your asylum application is refused during your course of study at the university:
- your fee status will remain as international student
- the Tuition Fee Waiver will stop with effect from the following academic year and payment of the full international student fee rates will be required
- the time limit on any Visa or Leave to Remain will be monitored and applied in line with Home Office regulations.
Graduate support
To ensure you have the best experience at graduation we offer a package for asylum seekers who have received support from us. Our current package includes covering the cost of the graduation gown hire and a photo package to capture the experience on the day.
After graduation can apply for campus halls for the summer until 1 September to ensure you have enough time to plan your next steps.
Our Student Futures Team can provide support up to 3 years after graduation supporting your next steps after University.
A relationship with us is for life and you can stay connected with the university and be part of our global community of Alumni.
Useful links:
Internal
External
