University Challenge: Ashur's Story

Ashur* fled his home country in November 2005 and arrived in the UK at the age of sixteen, without any other members of his family.  He was taken into care and became one of around 3,000 unaccompanied asylum seeking children looked after by local authorities in England.  Having completed the first three years of secondary school in his country of origin, Ashur was keen to continue with his studies.  By studying at a Further Education college Ashur gained the right grades to be accepted on to a Business and Technology course at a London university.  He wants to work in Business Management, and one day manage his own enterprise.

On enrolment day for the course, however, Ashur was informed that he would have to pay £10,000 for the first year, £5,200 of which would be due on the first day of his studies.  Ashur had a job working at a pizza shop but his wage fell far short of meeting such costs.

Problems

When Ashur applied to university in 2010 he had the temporary immigration status ‘Discretionary Leave to Remain’ and was in the process of applying for his leave to be extended.  At that time young people in Ashur’s position were classified as home students at UK universities and could apply to Student Finance for loans.  Ashur assumed this would be the same for him.  However, due to a change in policy, since February 2011 young people with Discretionary Leave to Remain are no longer classed as home students for fee purposes.  Ashur was both rejected by Student Finance when he applied for a loan, and classified as an international student by the University as a result of this new policy.

What we did

Ashur was told about Refugee Support Network by a support worker when he was unable to enrol on his course at university.  We discussed with Ashur his options and his aspirations, and advised him to defer his entrance to university since he could not afford to pay the fees.  We are now working with Ashur to help him make the most of this year; finding creative ways to continue with his personal development, increase his level of experience of the business sector and save money.  It is a difficult time for him, but Ashur remains keen to progress and willing to work hard despite frustrations.

Others like Ashur

We hope that Ashur will have the opportunity to take up his place at university next year, but also that other young asylum seekers will be able to follow his example and make choices to progress in their education.  Based on the need – and the hope – that we see among young people like Ashur, we are asking the government to review its decision to restrict asylum seekers from accessing Higher Education.  

*Name changed to protect anonymity