At Liverpool, we’re proud of our commitment to making higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds – and that’s only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporter community.
As part of its scholarship and bursary programme, the University provides tuition fee and maintenance support to undergraduate students who have sought protection in the UK, helping them to succeed in higher education. The scholarships cover the cost of tuition and provide support towards the costs of study.
Hear from a recipient of the Asylum Seeker Scholar who shares what receiving the scholarship has meant for them.
Journey to studying at the University of Liverpool
I’ve always had a strong desire to learn and to create a better future, but the path to university hasn’t been easy. I’ve always valued education, but for a long time, university felt like an impossible dream because of my immigration status.
I’m grateful to my teacher and headteacher, who believed in me and supported me through so many difficult moments. Without them, I don’t think I would’ve made it this far. They helped me navigate all the uncertainty and encouraged me to keep going. Getting into university to study Computer Science has been one of the most meaningful milestones in my life.
The biggest challenge was not having access to student finance due to my immigration status. That financial barrier made everything feel out of reach. I also struggled with feelings of isolation at times—it was hard seeing others move forward while I felt stuck waiting for decisions about my future. It took a lot of emotional resilience and patience to keep pushing forward.
Receiving the Asylum Seeker Scholarship
When I found out I’d received the scholarship, I couldn’t believe it. I remember just sitting quietly, letting it sink in. It felt like someone had finally seen all the struggle, all the waiting, and said: “You matter. You deserve a chance.”
It wasn’t just financial support—it was hope. It gave me the freedom to focus on my education without fear or constant uncertainty. It allowed me to breathe for the first time in a long while and believe that maybe my dreams weren’t too far out of reach after all. That moment changed everything for me.
It’s allowed me to fully engage with my studies, without being held back by financial worries. I’ve had the chance to explore areas of tech I’m passionate about and consider career paths I never thought possible before. It also opened the door to volunteering, getting involved in student societies, and developing skills I know will help me in the future.
Without this support, I don’t think I would have had a university experience at all. The pressure of not knowing how I would afford even the basics, like textbooks or transport, would’ve overshadowed everything else. It would have been impossible to focus on my studies or truly immerse myself in university life.
This scholarship gave me more than just financial relief—it gave me the space to grow, to dream, and to believe in my own potential. Without it, I would’ve been stuck, just trying to survive, rather than truly thrive and make the most of this opportunity.
I’ve been volunteering with a local community group that supports young asylum seekers, which has been meaningful for me. At University, I’ve joined a few societies related to tech and creativity, and it’s been a great way to build confidence and meet new people.
A message of thanks
I just want to say thank you, from the deepest part of my heart. Your kindness has reached someone you’ve never met, someone who was once unsure if they belonged, or if they had a future at all. You’ve helped turn fear into hope and uncertainty into purpose.
Because of you, I wake up each day knowing I’m building a future I once thought was out of reach. Your generosity doesn’t just change lives—it gives people like me a reason to believe in ourselves again. You may not realise it, but your support creates ripple effects far beyond what you see. Thank you for believing in someone you don’t even know, and for giving us the chance to keep going.
When you donate to a scholarship or bursary, you’re not just helping someone with their tuition. You’re giving them something far more valuable—a chance at a better future. For people like me, this support means so much more than textbooks or fees; it’s the difference between being stuck in uncertainty and having the opportunity to create a life full of possibilities.
Every donation, no matter how small, gives someone like me the opportunity to build something meaningful. It’s not just an investment in education—it’s an investment in someone’s life, their journey, and their ability to contribute to something bigger than themselves. You are changing lives, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
Learn more about the Asylum Seekers Scholarship or visit our website for more information about the Student Fund or to donate.