ESSEX University will apply for special status as it seeks to provide sanctuary to refugees who come to Colchester.

University of Sanctuary status is given to institutions which welcome asylum seekers and refugees on to courses and provides incentives and routes for them to get involved.

There are 12 across the country.

The move follows calls by students who sent a petition to university vice chancellor, Prof Anthony Forster.

Chief of staff Monica Illsley said: “We are one of the world’s most international universities and are proud of the community we have at Essex.

“But sadly for many fleeing persecution or war, the idea of a university education seems an impossible dream.

“We know we can offer them support and a warm welcome when they get here, but we also need to look at what more we can do, including what financial support we can provide.

“So this is about much more than seeking accreditation, it is about looking at what practical steps we can take to provide sanctuary for refugees and to make it possible for them to go to university.

“Many of our students are fully behind this initiative and they, together with colleagues in the Centre for Migration Studies, admissions, student wellbeing, HR and others, will help us shape our actions in this area as we work together to make it happen.”

Asha Ali, president for the Students’ Union, described the move as a “positive step”.

Asha said: “It’s amazing how our students worked together to bring this to the forefront of the university’s and Students’ Union’s agenda.

“This positive step also resonates with me personally, as my parents were both refugees, so I appreciate how people are actively working to help others in extremely difficult situations and it is wonderful to see everyone working towards making the university a place of sanctuary.”

A small project team will be set up to progress the application.