TU Dublin Celebrates Prestigious University of Sanctuary Accreditation
TU Dublin is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded the University of Sanctuary accreditation, a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background.
This accreditation is granted to universities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and others from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds. It acknowledges the university’s efforts to create a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to succeed.
Speaking on the announcement, President of TU Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis, said:
“We are honoured to receive the University of Sanctuary accreditation, which reflects the values at the very heart of TU Dublin - inclusion, equality, and social justice. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, students, and partners who are working hard every day to ensure that TU Dublin is not only a place of learning but a place of belonging.”
The accreditation reflects TU Dublin’s efforts to build a diverse and supportive academic environment, with its five campuses already embedded in the communities they serve. The University’s applied, practice-led learning approach ensures students tackle real-world issues in collaboration with those communities, learning and growing together. Over the coming years, TU Dublin will expand its initiatives for sanctuary students, including dedicated scholarships, tailored mentorship, and enhanced services to help students settle in and succeed.
Melody Chinenyanga, TU Dublin's EDI Lead for Race Equity, says many staff and students across TU Dublin, including the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion office worked hard to secure the accreditation.
"This accreditation is more than a title; it’s a promise. A promise that TU Dublin will continue to be a place where sanctuary-seekers are not just welcomed, but truly seen, supported, and celebrated. It reflects our belief that education should be a bridge to belonging, healing, and hope for all."
This new University of Sanctuary status also aligns with TU Dublin’s Race Equity Plan, embedding race equity into every aspect of campus life. This includes diversifying curricula, ensuring fair representation in staffing, enhancing reporting and support mechanisms, and delivering mandatory anti-racism and cultural awareness training for all.
Dr Lillis continued: “TU Dublin unequivocally condemns racism, discrimination, and prejudice in all their forms. It is unacceptable that anyone should feel unsafe or unwelcome in education and in our city. We are proud of the diversity among our staff and student body, and we are deeply grateful to those who choose TU Dublin as their place to work and study. We are committed to protecting their dignity, ensuring their safety, and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community.”
By joining the growing network of Universities of Sanctuary, TU Dublin also aligns itself with global best practices in inclusive higher education, paving the way for new collaborations and strengthening its reputation as a leader in creating opportunities for all.
Since its inception, 60 University of Sanctuary Scholarships have been awarded to Asylum seekers and refugees. They are from a variety of countries, including, but not limited to, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ukraine, and Palestine.
TU Dublin extends its gratitude to the University of Sanctuary Steering Committee and to the many staff and students whose contributions made this achievement possible.
