How a scholarship made Keshon Smith’s journey to SOAS possible
The story of LLB student and SOAS Sanctuary Scholarship recipient Keshon Smith showcases how scholarships can break systemic barriers, foster resilience, and unlock life-changing opportunities for underrepresented students.
University is often a transformative experience, but systemic and financial obstacles can make accessing it difficult for many. For Keshon Smith, the journey to SOAS was marked by resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of the Sanctuary Scholarship, which supports displaced individuals without access to Student Finance.
Keshon is currently studying for an LLB (Single Hons) at SOAS, where he has found an academic home that aligns with his passions and values. His journey offers a powerful testament to the importance of scholarships in unlocking potential and opening doors for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Overcoming barriers
Accessing higher education is especially challenging for underrepresented students facing systemic barriers and financial hardships. For Keshon Smith, these challenges, compounded by his immigration status, delayed his studies:
“Many students face significant barriers when trying to access higher education, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. As someone who has navigated the complexities of the UK immigration system while pursuing my education, I have seen first-hand how systemic challenges, financial constraints, and a lack of tailored support can deter individuals from reaching their potential. These obstacles are often compounded for students who face additional pressures, such as uncertain immigration status, financial hardship, or balancing familial responsibilities with their studies."
I have seen first-hand how systemic challenges, financial constraints, and a lack of tailored support can deter individuals from reaching their potential.
“My delayed university entry due to my immigration status was one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” Keshon explains. “For migrants, the emotional toll of navigating both legal and educational systems can be overwhelming. The Sanctuary Scholarship allowed me to overcome these obstacles, giving me the confidence and resources to focus on my education."
Now a trustee for We Belong, Keshon advocates for young undocumented migrants, ensuring others receive mentorship and support to pursue higher education: "My experiences have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility to higher education, ensuring that students from all backgrounds receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.”
Finding his place
Keshon was drawn to SOAS for its distinctive focus on the Global South and its interdisciplinary approach to studying law and society. “What attracted me to SOAS was its unique focus on the Global South and its interdisciplinary approach to studying law and society. As someone deeply interested in global justice, migration, and the intersection of law and culture, I was drawn to SOAS’s reputation for critically engaging with issues of power, decolonisation, and social justice.”
Inspired by modules like Legal Systems of Asia and Africa II, Keshon explored South Africa’s legal transition from apartheid to democracy. “Studying at SOAS has been incredibly enriching, broadening my understanding of how legal systems operate in a global context and equipping me with the tools to critically analyse pressing issues like migration and child rights. It has been the ideal place to develop the knowledge and skills I need to contribute to meaningful legal and social change.”
Thriving at SOAS
Keshon’s time at SOAS has been marked by personal, academic, and professional growth. A highlight was winning the SOAS Supreme Court Moot, where he honed legal research and advocacy skills. His achievement was featured on the Supreme Court Annual Report cover, affirming his aspiration and "readiness to pursue a career at the Bar and my passion for litigation.”
The diverse and inclusive community has provided me with a network of peers who share my passion for justice and my commitment to making a difference.
As president of the Bar Society, Keshon has supported peers, organised events, and mentored mooting teams, enhancing his leadership skills. “SOAS’s interdisciplinary approach has deepened my understanding of issues like migration and legal pluralism, aligning with my career goals.” Beyond academics, the diverse community at SOAS has provided a strong network of peers who share his passion for justice: "The diverse and inclusive community has provided me with a network of peers who share my passion for justice and my commitment to making a difference."
The scholarship’s impact
Reflecting on the transformative role the Sanctuary Scholarship has played in his journey, not just as a means of financial support, but as a lifeline that helped him overcome systemic obstacles and pursue his aspirations, he shares:
“This scholarship programme has been instrumental in supporting my pathway to higher education by removing significant barriers, including aiding my immigration appeal. As a recipient, I was perceived as a more desirable migrant, reflecting systemic biases in immigration systems. This perception influenced the outcome of my case. The financial stability provided by the scholarship allowed me to challenge the Home Office’s unjust refusal of my right-to-remain application.
For underrepresented groups, scholarships are life-changing, breaking cycles of inequality and fostering a sense of belonging and value.
"Without support to cover living expenses and legal costs, pursuing the appeal would have been impossible. The scholarship enabled me to win my case and secure my legal right to remain in the UK. Beyond financial and legal support, the scholarship reinforced my confidence and belief in the value of my education. It allowed me to overcome systemic challenges, ensuring I could continue my studies and pursue my goals."
“Supporting scholarship programmes is essential because they create opportunities for individuals excluded from higher education due to financial, systemic, or social barriers. For underrepresented groups, scholarships are life-changing, breaking cycles of inequality and fostering a sense of belonging and value. I hope to see this scholarship programme continue well into the future because it has singularly transformed my future prospects and given me opportunities I might never have had otherwise."
Supporting more students
We have committed to investing half of our annual surplus to specifically fund scholarships. But with nearly 1,000 scholarship applications received annually, we cannot keep up with demand. Regardless of circumstance, no student should experience financial hardship while studying. When you give to scholarships, you help us keep the brightest talent at SOAS.
Make your gift today to support student scholarships and change lives.
