27 June 2023
The University of Reading has been recognised as a University of Sanctuary, following a successful appraisal meeting with the national co-ordinators of the scheme in June 2023.
The announcement follows Refugee Week (19-25 June), which was celebrated in Reading and across the UK.
The University of Sanctuary Award recognises ‘universities that have gone above and beyond to provide an understanding, compassionate, and safe experience that would enable people seeking sanctuary to thrive and recognise their potential’. A key part of the process is also about community engagement and the fruitful partnerships that can be created between the university and local refugee support organisations, according to University of Sanctuary.
The University first signed the Reading City of Sanctuary pledge in 2017 and established a University of Sanctuary working group in 2020. The working group was set up to coordinate the work across the University and develop initiatives that align with the three core principles of the University of Sanctuary scheme: learn, embed, and share.
Some key highlights of the University’s sanctuary work to date include:
Professor Ruth Evans , who has been leading the University of Sanctuary working group at the University alongside Professor Federico Faloppa, said: “We are so pleased to have achieved this award, recognising the generous Sanctuary Scholarships we offer and innovative teaching, research and community engagement initiatives welcoming sanctuary seekers at the University of Reading. We thank everyone involved for their hard work to achieve the award and look forward to learning from and continuing to embed the culture of welcome across the university in the coming years.”
Maryam Taher, University of Sanctuary co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted that the University of Reading is joining the University of Sanctuary network. The panel recognised the great dedication and commitment of the University community towards supporting those seeking sanctuary, and we are excited for the University's plans and to further build on this positive work."
The University hosted a variety of activities for Refugee Week 2023. These included:
The University of Sanctuary accreditation will last for three years. Thereafter, the University will be re-appraised to ensure it is still meeting the principles and objectives of the scheme.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
