Refugee Week events

The University supports Refugee Week, an annual festival around World Refugee Day on 20 June, celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Unite in the community of welcome and support in Edinburgh. Join local events that highlight the importance of understanding and knowledge-sharing. Let’s celebrate refugees and asylum seekers and how they bring cultural diversity and enrich our communities with their talents, traditions, and perspectives.

Apply for funding to host your own event

Funding is available for student groups and University staff to organise events to contribute to the culture of welcome at Edinburgh for those who have experienced forced migration.

  • Events can be scheduled any time throughout the year.
  • Education Beyond Borders offers funding of up to £500 for each event.

2026 events

Explore events across Edinburgh and Scotland taking place this Refugee Week.

The People’s Library

When: 18 June 2026, 1pm to 4pm
Where: Chaplaincy Centre, Bristo Square

A unique opportunity to hear directly from students about the challenges they have faced and overcome while building a new life in the UK – offering perspectives that are often unheard. Inspired by the ‘Human Library Organization’, you are invited to engage in real conversations with ‘living books’ – members of the university community who will share their personal, academic, and professional journeys.

Connected Communities 2026

When: 19 June 2026, 2.30pm to 4pm
Where: Godfrey Thomson Hall, Thomson’s Land, Centre for Open Learning, EH8 8FF

An afternoon of live music and community at the Centre for Open Learning. Duo Hyperborea will take us on a musical journey, drawing on traditions from across the Mediterranean and Middle East. Free refreshments provided.

Donations will be warmly welcomed in support of The Welcoming.

Free drop-in entry, no booking needed.

Refugee Festival Scotland

When: 12 to 21 June 2026
Where: Edinburgh, and across Scotland

All events are free or ticketed on a sliding scale, with free entry options for refugees and asylum seekers. Search 100+ events, which are open to everyone and are hosted by a variety of groups.

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