YORK University has intervened to save the career of a foreign student whose homeland is split by civil war.

Academics have secured funding from the Foreign Office to allow economics graduate Raymond Swaray, from Sierra Leone, to continue his studies.

Without the scholarship the 29-year-old would have been unable to complete his Master of Philosophy degree.

He is prevented from returning home by fighting between government forces, backed by Nigeria, and rebel military commanders.

The Foreign Office is allowing students from Sierra Leone to renew their visas during the political unrest.

Now, the Foreign Office has agreed to pay two-thirds of Mr Swaray's £7,000 course fees following a request by the university and British Council. The university is waiving the remaining charges. "I am grateful that the British Council and the University of York stood by me to save my career from a year - at least - which otherwise would have been wasted in my life," said Mr Swaray.

"I am optimistic that their consideration will bear fruit, both in goodwill and career development."

In 1996 he won a prestigious Chevening Award, from the Foreign Office, which allowed him to study for a Master of Science degree at York.

He plans to return home after his studies and says there will be opportunities for economists in rebuilding the country's infrastructure.

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