At King’s we recognise that any legal background of forced displacement can have a significant impact on educational and career-related opportunities and outcomes. It is vitally important to the Careers & Employability department to ensure that students who have faced forced displacement have access to appropriate education and opportunities regarding their future career.
If you are a forced migrant, you may or may not have disclosed your status when applying to King’s. Either way, please explore the full list of resources we have put together on KEATS. If you require further information or support, you can contact the relevant Student Support Services at King’s.
What does ‘forced migrant’ mean?
We use the term ‘forced migrant’ as an umbrella term for the following immigration backgrounds.
- Asylum seeker is someone who has lodged an application for protection on the basis of the Refugee Convention or Article 3 of the ECHR.
- Refugee is a former asylum seeker person who has been granted refuge in a country other than their home country. They have been able to prove that if they are returned home, they will be prosecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion.
- Humanitarian Protection is given to people, if sent back, would face punishment due to a previously not mentioned case.
- Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Child status is given in unique cases for children arriving to the country separated from their parents, for a limited period of time, usually until they turn 17.5.
- Limited Leave to Remain (previously Discretionary Leave to Remain) is given for applicants with unique cases to remain in the UK for a limited period of time.
- Dependents or immediate family members of the above-mentioned categories.
What Careers resources are available?
We offer a wide range of Careers & Employability support to all students and recent graduates, including specific support for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds; this includes students who have experienced forced displacement. Some of the support available to forcibly displaced students includes:
- Careers+ – If you are a forced migrant, you are eligible for our Careers+ support. This is a programme of additional careers related activities and support, including access to longer, 30-minute Careers Coaching and Planning appointments. These appointments are available to book via King’s CareerConnect.
- Careers Mentoring Programme – The Careers Mentoring Programme aims to connect 1st year students (mentees) with those in their 2nd year and beyond (mentors) to help them begin to think about their careers and put together a plan of action. The programme is specifically aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds and also seeks to help them feel a sense of community and belonging whilst they consider their career aspirations.
- King’s Undergraduate Research Fellowships (KURF) – KURF gives undergraduate students the opportunity to learn alongside our leading academics during the summer. Successful KURF applicants are also enrolled on the King’s Experience Research Award, which enables students to gain formal recognition for their role as Research Fellows. The Sanctuary Programme also offers internships for forcibly displaced students.
- Spotlight on Inclusion events – Our Spotlight on Inclusion events across the year shine a spotlight on the lived experiences of individuals from Black, Asian and Diverse Heritage backgrounds, aspects of gender equity and disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. They are designed as safe spaces, welcoming all students regardless of your background – allowing you to broaden your understanding of these key issues and structural inequalities and become an ally to others. You can find and book onto upcoming events via King’s CareerConnect.
And more. For an exhaustive list of our support for forcibly displaced students, as well as a list of external organisations providing support and information about financial support such as scholarships and other funding opportunities, visit the KEATS page via the banner below. You can also explore our range of Careers resources available to all students on KEATS and on our website.
If you require further information or support, please contact the relevant Student Support Services at King’s who will be able to help.
