Equal access to University for asylum seekers

People seeking asylum do not have the same right to university education as their British born peers. We believe that this is wrong and ask you to ensure that asylum seekers have equal access to this university and can join us here as equals.

We, the undersigned, call on you to:

* Allow asylum seekers to pay home fees at our university

* Pledge support for a national policy change

FURTHER INFORMATION

"Everyone has the right to education... and higher education shall be equally accessible to all..."

Article 26 (1), Universal Declaration of Human Rights

People seeking asylum do not have the same right to university education as their British born peers.

Those seeking asylum are classed as "overseas" students and therefore must pay the international student fees. For a typical undergraduate degree at Oxford that is 14,000 pounds per annum instead of the "home fee" rate of 3,290 pounds.

Asylum seekers cannot afford these fees and living costs because they are not allowed to:

* Apply for student loans
* Apply for grants and most bursaries
* Work in the UK

It may take months or even years before a decision is made on an asylum seekers case - and meanwhile they cannot fund their education - you cannot put your entire life on hold for that long.

Oxford Student Action for Refugees (STAR) believes this situation is wrong and has launched an Equal Access campaign calling for the University of Oxford to change this unfair practice.

Please help us ensure that asylum seekers have equal access to Oxford University and can join us here as equals.

Guardian article (Dec 09)
Success story: Jonatane (University of Kent)
Success story: Guinah (Westminster University)