A qualitative exploration of the barriers asylum-seeking students face when accessing higher education in the UK

Abstract

Since 2015, there has been a sharp upward trajectory in the number of applications for refugee status. This raises many questions for how education will assist refugee inclusion. However, accessing education after the age of 18 has been under-researched. This project looks to add to the body of knowledge as to why those from an asylum-seeker background are underrepresented in Higher Education (HE). Three key themes emerged through focus groups and semi-structured interviews of this group's experience of attempting to access HE. Firstly, a lack of knowledge as to their rights to HE; secondly, poor and inaccurate information being circulated by gatekeepers to HE; thirdly, the timings of offers of places being uncoordinated with access to scholarships. In conclusion, this study uncovered several barriers for refugees accessing HE in the UK, some of which are systemic. It is suggested that further research is conducted from the perspective of university admissions and widening participation departments. It is recommended that there is an official, reputable source of information for those from asylum-seeking backgrounds wishing to apply for HE.