Kingston University launches Niloufar Ebrahim Bursary in memory of Flight PS752 Victims

Posted Wednesday 8 January 2025

Kingston University graduate Niloufar Ebrahim and her husband, Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi, were amongst the 176 passengers and crew members tragically killed when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was downed in Iran on January 8, 2020, by surface-to-air missiles launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shortly after departing Tehran.

In remembrance of the lives lost aboard Flight PS752 and to continue Niloufar's legacy, her family have continued a four-year partnership with Kingston University to establish a new bursary for international postgraduate students in the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences.

The Niloufar Ebrahim Bursary in Memory of Flight PS752 Victims has been set up by her family to provide the opportunity for passionate students to pursue their ambitions of making a difference in the world.

We are announcing this bursary on January 8th 2025, 5 years since the flight. It will open for applications in September 2025.The couple had recently celebrated their wedding in Iran and were returning to London to begin their new life together. Niloufar was set to attend her graduation ceremony the following week.

The bursary totals £1,000 – with £500 from Niloufar's family being matched by Kingston University's International Team. Female applicants currently living in Iran will be given priority consideration for this meaningful opportunity, as the family hopes to inspire and support others in Niloufar's home country to achieve their goals.

To be eligible for the bursary you must be applying as an international student and have received an offer to study a postgraduate course at Kingston for January 2025. You also must not be currently enrolled on a Kingston University degree or foundation course. Priority will be given to female applicants currently living in Iran.

A number of students have benefitted from previous scholarships established by Niloufar's family. Occupational and business psychology student Delaram Salehi spoke about the benefits of the scholarship. "My passion has always been understanding people and contributing to their well-being. Now, through my studies in occupational and business psychology, I am delving into how organizational environments shape human behaviour and well-being, allowing me to make a broader impact. I am deeply grateful for the Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship, which has been both inspiring and supportive throughout this journey. My ultimate goal is to create positive change by helping individuals express themselves freely and lead fulfilling lives."

Navaz Ebrahim, Niloufar's sister, commented on the importance of the scholarship: "It is incredibly heartwarming for us to see Delaram receiving the Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship in memory of Flight PS752 victims. We have been deeply impressed by Delaram's accomplishments in Iran, such as teaching students facing financial challenges, advocating for gender equality, combating discrimination, raising awareness for mental health, and her involvement in therapy for the children of laborers.

"This year, we prioritized women applicants living in Iran for the scholarship, and we are thrilled that we could provide this opportunity. Women in Iran continue to fight for their freedom and the same values that Delaram advocates for. Delaram's compassion and dedication to helping others are evident both in her personality and her work. This is a special connection for the Ebrahim family, as Niloufar's legacy was also about uplifting the lives of the vulnerable and supporting children."

To support the initiative, visit the KUBacker page for The Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship in Memory of Flight PS752 Victims and also the Imperial College London page for Remembering Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi if you wish to add your support.