Ernest Edward Scholarship

Aston University is delighted to offer up to four sanctuary scholarships for students who are seeking refuge in the UK.

These scholarships benefit asylum seekers or those who have been granted a form of limited permission to stay in the UK, following an unsuccessful asylum application, and who are therefore prevented from accessing student finance.

These sanctuary scholarships are known as The Ernest Edward Scholarships in memory of the generous donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward Crummack, who left school aged 12 to work in a coal mine. 100 years on, so many young people and especially young refugees still find themselves deprived of the opportunity to grow and fulfil their potential.

Ernest Edward Scholars receive a full tuition fee waiver, support with accommodation and living costs, and additional non-cash support. The scholarship is worth up to £20,000 for postgraduate taught courses and up to £45,000 for undergraduate courses over the duration of the programme. The actual amount awarded may vary, as support is calculated according to individual need and determined on a case by case basis. Scholars also have access to tailored support, including language support where needed, Sports Aston membership, professional mentoring, and support from Aston’s Students’ Union.

Summary of eligibility criteria

Ernest Edward Scholarship not for you? Aston University offers many other undergraduate and postgraduate for home and international students.

Ernest Edward Scholarships 2026

Course: You must have applied to study a course at Aston University. Most three-year undergraduate and one-year postgraduate courses are eligible but certain courses such as medicine and nursing are not eligible.

You must be:

• In the UK
• An asylum seeker or the partner/dependant of an asylum seeker; OR
• An unsuccessful asylum seeker/refugee or the partner/dependant of an unsuccessful asylum seeker/refugee who has instead been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or some other form of temporary status in the UK.

How do I apply?

• Applications for the Ernest Edward Scholarship 2026 will open on Monday 9 March 2026 and close at 5pm on Friday 1 May 2026.

Please email the Ernest Edward Scholarship Team to request an application form on or after 9 March 2026. The application form will not be available until that date so please do not email to request it any earlier.

What happens next?

We will contact you by email after each stage to let you know if your application is successful. Please note, we will communicate scholarship decisions two weeks after each deadline date. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact us.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

You can only receive one scholarship, but you are able to apply for multiple scholarships. If you are successful in being awarded multiple scholarships, the highest value scholarship will be awarded to you.

Last updated: 16/01/2026 KB