How Sanctuary programme help Milad achieve his academic ambitions

A student who faced the double challenges of major political upheaval and the pandemic is celebrating receiving his Masters degree from the University of South Wales (USW).

It is USW’s commitment to supporting overseas students who have faced major personal trials, through the University of Sanctuary programme, which has meant that Milad Mirzaee from Afghanistan has been able to achieve his academic dream. 

Born and raised in Afghanistan, Milad’s fascination with engineering shaped many of his life choices. 

“I was interested in the mechanisms behind everything - chemistry, physics, how devices work, and how to make them safe,” he said. 

Milad began his academic journey at Kabul University, studying Mechanical Engineering, but, what should have been a four-year course, stretched to six due to both local and international challenges. 

“The programme should have been four years, but it took six because of COVID-19 and the collapse of the government,” he says. 

Determined to continue his education, Milad moved to the UK from Afghanistan in October 2023. 

“As an asylum seeker I was fortunate to receive the Sanctuary Scholarship from USW,” he said. This scholarship gave him the opportunity to start his Masters in September 2024.” 

Through the Sanctuary Scholarship, USW provided practical and financial support which enabled Milad to concentrate on his studies and settle into university life. 

Having graduated with distinction, Milad is now hoping to do a PHD and is looking ahead to a career in engineering, with the aim of applying his skills to real-world problems and contributing positively to industry in the UK. 

He said that settling in Wales was a positive experience: “The people are friendly, and the weather suits me. I don’t like hot weather, so this is perfect.” 

He quickly adapted to life on campus and focused on his studies. 

“My plan is to work in engineering in industry - any part as long as it is relevant to mechanical engineering. I want to apply what I’ve learned to real problems,” he said. 

His long-term goal is to build a career in the UK. 

“Education gave me a way to channel my interest in how things work into something positive. Now I want to use those skills to contribute - safely, constructively - in industry,” he said. 

Professor Mike Chick, who is USW’s Refugee Champion, said: "We are extremely proud to be a University of Sanctuary and to have played a positive part in Milad's, and all other sanctuary scholars', academic achievement. 

“Education provides hope to people who are escaping war or persecution and attempting to build new lives in a new country. Education enables people to utilise the knowledge, skills and experience that they possess, to realise their academic potential and thus to be able to make a positive contribution to their new societies. 

“Helping people seeking sanctuary to continue their education benefits us all - and I wish Milad every success in his future as an engineer in Wales" 

USW is committed to creating a culture of welcome for people seeking refuge. Through initiatives such as the Sanctuary Scholarship, USW helps ensure education remains a pathway to hope and opportunity, supporting Wales’s ambition to become a Nation of Sanctuary for all who choose to make it their home.