Starting from October 2020, a fully funded place will be offered at Mansfield for a refugee student on a postgraduate programme.
This new refugee scholarship is intended to meet the needs of a highly able student whose education has been disrupted by forced migration. According to the UNHCR, while half of refugees worldwide are under the age of 18, only about 3% enter higher education and funding is a major barrier.
Funding for the first year of this initiative has been secured thanks to the generosity of an alumnus of the College. It is hoped that subsequent years will be funded through donations made by alumni, friends and students.
Mansfield also plans to seek recognition as a College of Sanctuary. The scheme, which grew from the City of Sanctuary movement, involves pledging to provide the most welcoming and accessible environment possible for refugees and asylum seekers.
“Mansfield College takes welcoming, supporting and engaging with refugees and other forced migrants seriously. The Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, housed on our site, is conducting research on issues of modern slavery, and the College regularly hosts and supports workshops, events and activities designed to welcome and support refugees. Our next such event will be a performance of the Messiah in the Sheldonian Theatre on Sunday 23 February 2020 to raise funds for the charity Asylum Welcome,” said Principal Helen Mountfield QC.
Full details about eligibility criteria and how to apply will be made available in the Spring.
