A SCHOLARSHIP scheme in York which aims to support students fleeing conflict is being expanded.

The University of York already has three students enrolled on its scholarship, but has agreed to expand the scheme and help fund an additional five students in 2017/18.

The Equal Access Scholarships provides an annual living costs bursary of £10,660 and is matched by the university with a complete fee waiver.

The university will offer full fee waivers for all five students and aims to provide bursaries for their living costs through philanthropic funding.

The university set up the scheme in response to Europe’s ongoing migrant crisis and is supported by a range of donors including alumni and staff.

The University of York’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, said: “Our commitment to helping asylum seekers reflects the university’s core values of justice and equality.

“We are facing a major refugee crisis in Europe and the University of York will play its part in providing a safe and secure environment for displaced people to study, research and prosper.”

The university welcomed its first Equal Access scholars this October. Donations of all sizes funded two, whilst a third was funded by two alumni donors.

Kawa Ramadan, 26, is studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics after fleeing Syria.

“I was not able to complete my studies because of the war in my country. I believe economists will be the key to rebuilding my destroyed country and I want to play a part in that endeavour, to build a better future for Syria.

“This scholarship means so much to me, it means hope. It means a new beginning that will give me and others a better life."

The Fund is also enabling Dr Tamim Chelati, a Syrian refugee, to undertake a Research Fellowshipat the Department of Chemistry.