Cynthia Ariana, 22, originally from Kenya, applied to study Psychology with Sociology at Keele University in 2014 through Article 26 and was awarded a full three-year scholarship.

Cynthia said: “When I learned I couldn’t get a student loan, my world fell apart. Going to university was all I’d ever dreamed of and worked so hard for. I am so, so grateful to Keele for everything. I’ve loved every minute here, there’s a sense of community that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.”

Cynthia continues: “My time at Keele was amazing, despite everything that was going on at home the support I received at Keele helped me to focus on my education. I made great memories, and met some of my best friends.

“I was also introduced to many people in my situation which made me realise I was not the only one affected. I also received further support from Keele University’s Student Services team with my visa renewal and with a hardship fund award after facing a setback.”

Cynthia now lives in Essex and is working as part of an Adult Health Team within a local council, and plans on going back to university to undertake a postgraduate degree in developmental or educational psychology.