Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Home | School Students | Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

If you are an Asylum Seeker or a Refugee and you are considering applying to college or university, there is support available to you. This support can be provided from LEAPS, your school, local charities, or the college or university you are considering. The support can vary, so we’ve put together some information below to get you started.

Remember to check out our other articles on the LEAPS website and information on the S5 Hub and S6 Blog.

Who is an Asylum Seeker?

Amnesty International’s definition is: ‘An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim.’ https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/refugees-asylum-seekers-and-migrants/

Who is a Refugee?

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, violence or persecution. They have had their status as a refugee recognised under the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

How can LEAPS help?

Here at LEAPS we have a named contact for Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Keith Barbour. Keith can help you with the following:

  • Advice on considering college or university
  • Support during the application process
  • Information about financial support available
  • Emails throughout the year with information and advice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
  • Connect you with other support services on your behalf.
  • A friendly chat in person, on the phone or email to answer any questions – big or small!

You can reach Keith at leaps@ed.ac.uk or by phone (see details on our contact us page).

Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees at School

You might find it helpful to speak with your Guidance Teacher at your school about your Asylum Seeker or Refugee status. Your school can support you during your school studies and your Guidance Teacher can note your Asylum Seeker or Refugee status in your UCAS teacher reference. This will help universities and colleges understand the challenges you may have faced during your school studies.

Support for Asylum Seekers or Refugees at College or University

Many universities and colleges have dedicated support pages for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. The support they can offer may include:

  • Dedicated pre-application advice and guidance
  • An adjusted offer of entry
  • Financial support
  • Named contact

LEAPS have compiled a number of university and college support pages, and you can see details here. Please be aware this information might change from time to time.

Further support:

Refugee Education UK

Scottish Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee & Migrant Centre

Refugee Sanctuary Scotland

Skills Development Scotland – Support for Refugees