What is Article 26?
Answer
Article 26 refers to the segment of the same name, contained within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states that everyone has the right to education and specifies that higher education should be equally accessible to all based on merit. The Article 26 scholarship was created to make this right a reality for people who have sought asylum in the UK. The University of Salford refers to those who have sought asylum in this country as sanctuary seekers, as part of a wider campaign to lessen the negative associations of being an asylum seeker. Though the Article 26 guide (available here) and subsequent answers based on this information, may contain these terms, as a means to be as clear about the legislation and regulatory requirements that are in place for applicants to apply to this service via the University of Salford’s askUS service, which adheres to the terminology that is used by the Home Office.
The University of Salford is one of several universities working offering scholarships to sanctuary seekers, to enable students from an asylum-seeking background, who do not have access to student finance (tuition fee or maintenance loans) to undertake an undergraduate degree programme. The Article 26 Scholarship at the University of Salford delivers a package of support that includes a full tuition fee bursary, as well as practical and financial support, whilst the University complements this through student support services.
You can find more information about scholarships for sanctuary seekers on the Star Network