Syrian refugee student proud after graduating with first-class honours
A University of Bradford student who fled war-torn Syria as a child is celebrating after graduating with first-class honours, less than 10 years after arriving in the UK.
Ahmad Hamdan left his hometown of Aleppo in Syria aged 10 during the country’s civil war, moving to Turkiye with his parents, sister and three brothers, then to Leeds in 2017, when he initially couldn’t speak English.
Nine years later, he and his sister Jamilah, 23, are graduating together from the University of Bradford with first-class degrees in BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science.
Their younger brother, Abdo, 19, has just completed his first year on the same three-year programme.
Ahmad, 21, and his family are planning to return to Syria in August for the first time since they left to celebrate their double academic success with other relatives.
He said: “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I never thought this would become a reality, especially having to adapt into a new culture and language. It feels a great honour to get a first-class degree.
“It’s an absolute dream. The University has shaped my future a bit more. My parents and my family have always had my back and pushed me forward. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible at all.”
Ahmad Hamdan graduated with first-class honours from the University of Bradford, less than 10 years after arriving in the UK from Turkiye. Images credit: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford
Life in Syria and Turkiye
Ahmad recalls an uncertain backdrop during his childhood in Syria due to the civil unrest, before his family moved to Istanbul.
He said: “The war was going on. Life was a massive risk. It was one of those where you can die at any moment, but you don’t know where and how you were going to die.
“I don’t remember any scenes, but I know the status was very bad. My parents have done a great job and secured our lives. Life has been great for us here.”
After leaving Syria in 2015, he worked in a jeans factory as a child in Turkiye. He said: “The machinery was probably twice my size. I used to bring little stools to climb up. Working 12-hour shifts, it was so tricky, but I’m so proud, it made me the person I am today.”
Moving to England
When he first arrived in the UK, he and Jamilah struggled with English. The pair were initially placed in the same school year to support one another, forming a close bond he now describes as inseparable. He said: “We’re like non-biological twins. Sometimes I just call her my other half.”
After moving to Leeds, he became involved with the Leeds United Foundation through a community football programme aimed at young refugees. Initially joining as a participant, he later became a coach, gaining a UEFA C Diploma coaching qualification. Ahmad, his parents and siblings have also become British citizens. Ahmad’s younger brother, Bilal, seven, was born in the UK.
Ahmad Hamdan studied BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science at the University of Bradford. Images credit: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford
Studying with his siblings
Ahmad says he has enjoyed studying at Bradford with his sister over the last three years, describing their experience of graduating together this summer as unique.
He said: “It’s been very relaxing, comfortable and supportive. I knew I had people behind me. My comfort zone is moving around with me. My sister is indescribable – she’s a mum, friend and sister to me. I can’t live without her sometimes.”
What’s next for Ahmad?
He is completing a placement at Orean Personal Care, a private-label cosmetic formulator and manufacturing firm, where he hopes to secure a permanent, full-time role as a technician, and aims to become a chemist in the future.