Becoming a University of Sanctuary

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Becoming a University of Sanctuary

The City of Sanctuary movement is a UK and Ireland-wide network consisting of cross-sector organisations working to create cultures of welcome, belonging and support for people seeking sanctuary. This includes over 40 Universities of Sanctuary in the UK and 8 Universities of Sanctuary throughout Ireland.

Local to our University campuses, the Sanctuary movement continues to develop:

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust achieved ‘Trust of Sanctuary’ status in September 2024.
Queen’s University Belfast who became the first University of Sanctuary in Northern Ireland in May 2025.
By end of 2026, the Education Authority NI will have supported over 100 Schools of Sanctuary in receiving their status and have commenced the Churches of Sanctuary programme.

Ulster University is currently a City of Sanctuary Supporting Organisation and as of 2025, has commenced working towards formal recognition as a University of Sanctuary. This includes the key aim of sustaining and developing its Sanctuary work, and supporting the Belfast City of Sanctuary team to achieve City of Sanctuary status in the coming years.

Three-Year Sanctuary Pathway

Ulster University has developed a structured three-year University of Sanctuary Pathway (2026–2029), providing a clear framework to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact across 7 key themes:

Governance & Leadership: Effective oversight and long-term sustainability for Sanctuary activity.
Awareness & Training: Building understanding of asylum and sanctuary issues through coordinated communication, engagement and training.
Scholarships & Support: Strengthening access, participation and educational outcomes for students from minority community backgrounds.
Student Engagement: Supporting student-led activity, peer engagement and awareness raising.
Access & Inclusion: Expanding access to University services and facilities.
Civic Engagement: Building and sustaining meaningful partnerships with community organisations.
Career Support: Supporting the employability, progression and career development for people seeking sanctuary.

How to Get Involved (University Staff and Students)

As Ulster University progresses towards formal recognition as a University of Sanctuary, there are a range of opportunities for staff and students to contribute to and shape this work:

Sanctuary Programme Activity - Participate in events, awareness-raising initiatives, training and community engagement activity taking place across the University.

Student Ambassador Group - Contribute to the development of a University of Sanctuary Student Ambassador Group, working in partnership with the Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Network to promote awareness, inclusion and peer engagement.

University of Sanctuary Committee - Support the establishment of an internal University of Sanctuary Committee, bringing together staff representation from academic disciplines, research and professional services to guide and sustain the University’s Sanctuary work.

If you would like to get involved, please contact one of the University colleagues below.