Limerick asylum seeker Anna Kern awarded scholarship to study at the Royal College of Surgeons

An asylum seeker, who was at the centre of controversy surrounding access to third-level education, has described how being in university is a “dream come true”.

Anna Kern, 19, who is originally from Ukraine, went to school at Coláiste Nano Nagle in Sexton Street, Limerick, and received 575 points in her Leaving Cert.

However, the 19-year-old could not afford to accept her place in physiotherapy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin as the rules concerning college admission for asylum seekers meant she faced the full €17,000 a year tuition fee.

After her case attracted considerable media attention the RCSI decided to make Ms Kern an offer outside of the CAO system so as not to impact on any CAO candidates and agreed to waive her tuition fees.

Royal College of Surgeons

Anna was one of 125 students in receipt of a 2015 All-Ireland Scholarship at a ceremony held in the University of Limerick at the weekend.

Sponsored by JP McManus the scholarships are worth €6,750 per year and continue for the duration of the undergraduate programme chosen by the scholarship winners.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at University Concert Hall in Limerick Anna said: “I am very grateful to the minister for education and to everyone who was involved in my case.”

The 19-year-old was living in direct provision accommodation in Knockalisheen, in Limerick, with her mother, Lyudmyla, who is not permitted to work and therefore unable to help her daughter with fees.

“I am really enjoying college and studying physiotherapy was a dream come true for me and I hope to work in Ireland after I graduate,” added Anna who was also accompanied to Saturday’s by her former school principal Marion Cummins, who was central to highlighting her case and called on the Government to introduce financial supports for teenagers living in the direct provision system who want third level education.

Former champion jockey AP McCoy was guest of honour at Saturday’s awards ceremony in the University Concert Hall. He said the scholarships would give the young recipient a great start in life and said he wanted his children Eve, 8, and Archie, 2, to remain in education.