We use the term 'forced migrant' as an umbrella term for the following immigration backgrounds.
- Asylum seeker is someone who has lodged an application for protection on the basis of the Refugee Convention or Article 3 of the ECHR.
- Refugee is a former asylum seeker person who has been granted refuge in a country other than their home country. They have been able to prove that if they are returned home, they will be prosecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion.
- Humanitarian protection is given to people who, if sent back, would face punishment due to a previously not mentioned case.
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking child status is given in unique cases for children arriving to the country separated from parents, for a limited period of time, usually until they turn 17.5.
- Limited leave to remain (previously called 'discretionary leave to remain') is given for applicants with unique cases to remain in the UK for a limited period of time.
- Dependents or immediate family members of the categories mentioned above.
King's Sanctuary Programme aims to enhance understanding of forced displacement among our students, staff and alumni and to develop opportunities for them to make a positive contribution through engagement activities, training and volunteering. Please visit the King's Sanctuary Programme webpage to learn more about the programme, upcoming events and opportunities.
I'm a forced migrant but I haven't disclosed, where can I find help?
We recognise that any legal background of involuntary immigration can have a significant impact on educational opportunities and outcomes, and therefore provide pre-entry and on-course support to forced migrant students.
Disclosing forced migrant status ensures we provide the right financial, academic, and personal support. We do not need to know why a student is a forced migrant or any other detail. If you are yet to disclose, and you would like to access support you can email the Priority Groups team or contact a Faculty Wellbeing Advisor.
I'm a Sanctuary Scholar, what help is there for me?
There are advisors for Sanctuary Scholars currently at King's. They can help with queries about higher education, whether that be about accommodation, studying or finances. The advisors will contact you upon enrollment.
If you are an on-course student, receiving a sanctuary scholarship, and want to contact an advisor, please email the Priority Groups team.
What academic support is there for me as a forced migrant?
All students are allocated a Personal Tutor from within their department/faculty. If you’re unsure who your Personal Tutor is, or how they can support you, please read our article Who is my personal tutor & what do they do?
What support is there for my mental health?
If you feel you may benefit from further mental health and wellbeing support, there are several teams at King’s available:
You can also reach out to your GP (General Practitioner) who can provide support if you’re struggling with your mental health. If you haven’t already registered locally with GP, or you’re unsure how to do this, please refer to How can I register with a doctor and/or dentist?
Where can I get help & advice for my finances?
The Money & Housing Advice Service offer advice, guidance, and advocacy to all King’s students, through all stages of the student journey. Our advisors have experience of supporting forced migrant students and can advise on additional financial support that might be available.
What support can I get for finding a job & future career?
Our Careers and Employability team at King's can help you with finding a part-time job, internship and graduate opportunities, and with gaining employability skills throughout your studies.
Forced migrant students are eligible to access Careers + which provides you with access to:
- Longer Careers Guidance appointments including via Skype and phone (30 minutes)
- Advance booking for Careers Guidance appointments (two weeks in advance)
- Exclusive internship opportunities
- Termly newsletters
- Drop-in sessions with a Careers Consultant
- Exclusive workshops (including online sessions)
To sign up for Careers+ visit King’s CareerConnect.
Volunteering and Networking Opportunities
King’s Volunteering can help you discover opportunities and build connections with people and organisations that are driving positive change in our local, national and international communities. King’s Volunteering work with a range of organisations that support individuals impacted by forced migration or campaign on related issues:
- KCL Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is King's branch of Student Action for Refugees which campaigns, fundraises, volunteers and raises awareness of refugee issues. For more information, please visit the STAR webpage.
- Broadening Horizons aims to increase the number of widening participation students who can access the mobility opportunities available to them at King's. Find out more on the Broadening Horizons Award webpage.
Where can I get advice on visa & immigration?
Visa & International Student Advice can help with any queries you may have relating to student immigration, working on a student visa, making changes to your course or taking a break from study, as well as life in the UK as an international student.
For information about visas to come to the UK to study, visas for dependents and working after study visit the immigration webpages.
What support is there for racism, inclusion & equality concerns?
is committed to creating an inclusive environment and to embracing the true power that diversity represents. If you would like to access specific support for students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, read our article, Race, inclusion and race equality - how we can support you.
If you have experienced inappropriate behaviour such as discrimination, harassment or bullying, you can report it to King’s on the Report + Support platform. There you will find guidance around accessing supporting and report the behaviour. Depending on your experience, the relevant support service will reach out to you.
The Clinic can assist with a wide range of immigration and asylum matters and provide one-off advice.
Are there some online resources I can access for further information & support?
Yes. These are some resources for you to access:
- Let us learn: The organisation provides advocacy, support and assistance to young people in difficulty; particularly those in trouble with the law and at risk of exclusion from school.
- Displaced Student Opportunities UK: The organisation hosts a database of opportunities and resources to support access to higher education for people who are displaced in the UK.
- Student Action for Refugees (STAR): The charity volunteers at local refugee projects, campaigns to improve the lives of refugees and educate people about refugees and asylum issues.
- Refugee Youth: The organisation provides opportunities for young people work together to solve their problems through art workshops and events, e.g. poetry, painting, drama and film making.
For more information on community organisations and online resources, read our article Organisations that support asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
