Refugees and Asylum-Seeking Students

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do I need to be in the UK before I can join a course?

  You need to be in the UK for 6 months before you can join a course. This is due to the restrictions on funding.

• I am seeking sanctuary, how do I apply for a course at Harrogate College?

  If you are applying for English (ESOL) courses, go to these pages:

  harrogate-college.ac.uk/courses/english-for-speakers-of-other-languages-esol/

  If you have English Language qualifications, then please browse our directory of courses:

  16-18
  harrogate-college.ac.uk/courses/?course_ages=16-18

  19+
  harrogate-college.ac.uk/adult-courses/

• What funding can I get to study at Harrogate College?

  If you are unsure about your funding rights, please take a look at this webpage:
  https://www.reuk.org/college-and-further-education

  You can speak to someone when you apply for a course and they will be able to help you.

• How do colleges get the College of Sanctuary award?

  To be recognised as a College of Sanctuary, colleges must submit an online application showcasing the work they have done against the following themes:

  Learn: Colleges help their students, staff and wider community learn about what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the issues surrounding forced migration.

  Embed: Colleges are committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture of welcome that benefits everybody, including anyone in their community seeking sanctuary.

  Share: Colleges share their values and activities with their local communities.

• What do I need to bring in order to enrol?

  Enrolment paperwork
  Please bring any of the following documents that you have available. Don’t worry if you cannot provide everything listed. Contact us and we will discuss alternative evidence with you.

  Proof of residency
  We accept the following forms of ID and proof of residency:

  • BRP
  • ARC Card
  • BAIL letter of support from a solicitor with a passport photo
  • A provisional or full driving license alongside your Home Office documents proving that the prospective student asylum application is in the process – dated 6 months ago
  • For those with entry clearance visas in their passport, eg those on family reunification or resettlement visas, your visas will be considered as proof of residency

   

  Proof of support

  1. If you are seeking asylum and or receiving asylum support (NASS Section 95 or Section 4) and/or subsistence support, you should bring:

  • Asylum support agreement letter – ideally outlining the remit of your support
  • Tenancy agreement – confirming student address
  • ASPEN Card / Subsistence support letter – ideally with ASPEN card

  2. If you are under the care of the local authority (regardless of your immigration status) you should bring:

  • A letter from your social worker or personal advisor confirming support from social services – it would be helpful if the letter stated whether you are in care of the local authority or a care leaver, and the type of support provided (eg accommodation and subsistence, etc)

  3. If you receive public funds including section 95 and section 4 (NASS), a recently dated letter confirming the relevant support is needed – especially universal credit (UC), job seekers’ allowance, housing benefit, and/or child tax credit.

   

  Proof of previous qualifications

  If you have certificates of your previous qualifications from your home country, it is important to bring them to your enrolment appointment. This will help the college admissions team to make a good assessment of your current academic skills, saving you from having to study at a lower level of education than your ability warrants. UK ENIC is the national agency responsible for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills. They provide statements of comparability for people who have international qualifications and want to study in the UK.
  ​
  If you have qualifications from your home country, but do not have (and cannot retrieve) the certificates or transcripts, contact our admissions team on 01423 879 466 or via email at contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk to discuss alternative ways of assessing your academic level, and to recommend the level of education that you can enrol on in line with your core interest. We understand that many students from a forced migration background are unable to prove the qualification that they achieved in their home country because their certificates or transcripts have been lost or destroyed and we will work to stop this being a barrier to accessing a suitable course.

• Why is it important to become a College of Sanctuary?

  Educational institutions are often the first point of contact for those seeking safety. Therefore, the support they provide is instrumental in ensuring people receive the right education so they can thrive in the UK.

  Having this status shows our commitment to overcoming barriers faced by refugees and asylum seekers, providing them with a supportive and inclusive environment.

• How does our college embed equality, diversity and inclusion?

  It is our aim that all of our students and colleagues feel safe, feel that they belong and are empowered to achieve their full potential. The aim of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team is to create and embed this culture across the Luminate Group.

  Take a look at our EDI page for more info: https://harrogate-college.ac.uk/the-college/equality-diversity-inclusion/