Stories

The University’s Community Plan 2020–25 ended in October 2025. In its final report, Sarah Anderson, Senior Community Engagement Manager, shares progress made since the Plan’s launch in November 2020 – including where local met global.

This year, Edinburgh Global continued their streak of recognition at the University’s USG Awards, with individuals and teams winning in three categories. The awards highlight outstanding contributions from across the group, with staff nominating colleagues they feel embody the best of our institution – championing the care, creativity and determination which define our work.

Education Beyond Borders is ensuring continued access to education for displaced scholars at the University of Edinburgh. Committed to a fair future for all, it delivers a programme of funding, support and collaborative and community-led initiatives.

Riza Mukhtari, an MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation student at the University of Edinburgh Business School, shares his journey from Afghanistan to India and eventually to the United Kingdom, and how his years of social service experience led him to co-found the Sepedaar Foundation (SF) – a charity dedicated to uplifting Afghan communities through educational, social, cultural and economic sectors.

Meelad Sabari, an Education Beyond Borders scholar, shares how community, resilience, and support have shaped his journey from displacement to personal and academic growth. Through university connections, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities, Meelad has not only found belonging but also empowered others—proving that community truly is a superpower.

From food festivals and cultural celebrations to workshops that explore identity through art, students at the University have organised a series of funded events to promote internationalism, community, and inclusion.

Developed from solidarity initiatives led by staff and students at the School of Social and Political Science, the Academics beyond Borders programme was created to provide remote academic support for students affected by conflict or repressive regimes.

At the University of Edinburgh, we take immense pride in our global community, welcoming scholars from all corners of the world. For some of these scholars, however, their journey here is not just about academic ambition—it is a flight from conflict, political instability, or personal danger. For these displaced scholars, the challenges extend far beyond the academic environment.

Nadin and Iona share their experiences joining Education Beyond Borders, which brings together programmes and initiatives across the University to support students and academics who have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence or persecution.

Education Beyond Borders Programme Manager, Nadin Akta, shares her experience as a British-Syrian, finding a new home in Edinburgh and now supporting others like her into education.

Education Beyond Borders brings together work across the University of Edinburgh, including funding, support, collaborative and staff and student-led initiatives to ensure access and pathways to education for displaced scholars.