A social event was held last month, bringing together staff and students involved in sanctuary work.

Renewing our commitment to those in need.

The Sanctuary team earned the 2026 Civic Engagement Sussex Award.

University of Sanctuary status renewed

Our University has a long history of supporting academics and students seeking sanctuary and raising awareness of the rights and needs of vulnerable communities, including through our scholarships, research, teaching, advocacy, and community engagement.

After being awarded the title of University of Sanctuary in 2020 in recognition of our efforts to welcome and support forced migrants, Sussex was proudly reaccredited earlier this spring. This recognises our continuous commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion as well as our adherence to the City of Sanctuary Charter.

The University of Sanctuary status recognises institutions that demonstrate a commitment to welcoming people seeking support, by helping refugee communities and addressing barriers to education. It’s awarded to institutions committed to inclusive, supportive environments for displaced people and building stronger communities.

Renewing our commitment to those in need

From supporting academics and students in Gaza, offering scholarships to Afghan women, and strengthening our sanctuary work through enhanced staff support and training, stronger partnerships and community engagement, the Sussex University of Sanctuary team has been dedicated to facilitating access to support for displaced people.

To celebrate these achievements, a social event was held last month, bringing together staff and students involved in sanctuary work. It featured short talks, an exhibition, and a film on the Sanctuary Runners, all of which highlighted the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for forced migrants and asylum seekers.

Recognising outstanding civic engagement

The efforts of those involved in the University of Sanctuary team, including Social Sciences academics and central Professional Services teams, were recognised at this year’s Sussex Awards ceremony.

The team received the 2026 Civic Engagement Sussex Award for its ‘exceptional civic engagement’ through a collaborative programme supporting refugees and sanctuary-seeking students, including scholarships, language programmes, widening participation initiatives, and partnerships with local government, all co-designed with Sussex students with lived experiences.

Professor Anke Schwittay, Associate Dean for Global and Civic Engagement, Faculty of Social Sciences, said: “Our reaccreditation and Civic Engagement award reflect the commitment and passion of Academic and Professional Services colleagues to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for sanctuary-seeking students at Sussex and individuals in Brighton, as well as students and academics in conflict-affected countries.”

Our reaccreditation will run until 2029.

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