The Warm Welcome Scholarship Scheme was established by the Department for Education as part of Operation Warm Welcome to support individuals affected by events in Afghanistan to access higher education in the UK.
The scheme was designed for a defined cohort of scholars and is now closed to new applicants.
The British Council is working with the Department for Education to complete the remaining programme activity and support the orderly close-out of the scheme.
Existing scholars
If you are an existing Warm Welcome scholar, your support will continue for the duration of your approved programme of study, subject to the terms and conditions of your scholarship.
Your Higher Education Provider (HEP) remains your primary point of contact for questions relating to your studies, funding or support arrangements.
Information for higher education providers
Participating higher education providers continue to play an important role in supporting scholars in line with existing programme arrangements.
The British Council will continue to work directly with participating providers on any remaining programme administration and close-out activity. Higher education providers should continue to use existing British Council programme contacts for operational queries.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Warm Welcome Scholarship Scheme still accepting applications?
No. The scheme was established as a time-limited programme for a defined cohort. Applications for the final intake closed in October 2022, and the scheme is closed to new applications. Existing scholars continue to be supported in line with the terms and conditions of their scholarship.
Does programme closure affect existing scholars?
No. Existing scholars will continue to receive support for the duration of their approved programme of study, subject to the terms and conditions of their scholarship.
Will my stipend continue to be paid?
Stipend payments will continue in line with individual scholars' agreed funding arrangements. If you have a question about your stipend or funding arrangements, please contact your university.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my scholarship or funding?
Your university (Higher Education Provider) remains your primary point of contact for questions relating to your studies, funding and support arrangements.
Where can I find information about my immigration status?
The British Council and Department for Education are unable to provide immigration advice. Individuals should refer to their Home Office decision letter and the conditions attached to their visa or immigration permission. Information about immigration status and eVisas is available on GOV.UK, which also provides access to further support, including online assistance from UK Visa and Immigration staff. For further advice tailored to your individual circumstances, you may wish to seek independent immigration advice from an Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)-regulated adviser.
Who provides day-to-day support to scholars?
Your university continues to provide academic, pastoral and student support throughout your period of study.
Is the scheme being extended?
The Warm Welcome Scholarship Scheme was established as a time-limited programme for a defined cohort and is not being extended beyond the existing programme arrangements.
What is the British Council's role now?
The British Council continues to administer the remaining elements of the scheme on behalf of the Department for Education, including working with participating Higher Education Providers to support existing scholars and complete programme closure activities.
What happens to information held about my scholarship when the scheme closes?
Information relating to the administration of the Warm Welcome Scholarship Scheme will continue to be managed in accordance with applicable data protection and records management requirements. You can find further information about how your personal information is used and retained in the Warm Welcome Scholarships Privacy Notice.
Why is this page still available?
This page remains available to provide information about the scheme during programme closure and to direct users to the most relevant sources of information.