How Amisha Das Secured a Fully Funded MSc in Data Science at South East Technological University Through GOI-IES

I am Amisha Das, a data engineer and researcher. I am interested in using data science and machine learning to uncover patterns, make sense of complex information, and solve problems that are difficult to approach through human judgement alone. I chose data science because I wanted to work at the intersection of computer science and astronomy. I enjoy working in areas where large datasets can reveal things we might otherwise miss. I completed an MSc in Data Science at South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow in 2025.

GOI-IES Details

I was awarded the Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) in 2024. It is awarded to top applicants at Irish universities from all over the world, granting a full fee waiver and a stipend of €10,000 for the first year of their course. I was amongst 60 awardees out of 5800 applicants in 2024.

Other Offered Scholarships

I had applied to the University of Limerick and SETU for an MSc in Data Science. Both universities initially offered me the excellence scholarship. University of Limerick offered me a waiver of €1,500, and SETU offered a fee waiver of €3,000.

Educational Background

I completed a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and later an MSc in Data Science, receiving First Class Honours in both degrees.

During the second year of my undergraduate studies, two classmates and I developed and published a social-service app on the Google Play Store during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people find plasma donors. I also worked on two other fully developed mobile applications as part of my degree, which strengthened my software development skills.

In the final year of my BCA, I gained direct industry experience working as a developer for the Italian startup Slinkshot, where I stayed for 10 months. Combined with the application-development work I had already done at university, that experience strengthened my confidence as a programmer and helped confirm that I wanted to build my career in computer science and data-driven work.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for South East Technological University?

How Did You Find Information About GOI-IES and South East Technological University?

At first, I was doing all the research by myself, but later on I took help from a study abroad agency, “iKounselor,” who informed me about the GOI-IES scholarship. I did the GOI-IES application myself, but before going to them, I didn’t even know about the GOI-IES, so I am very grateful to them.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the IELTS and SAT exams back in 2018 for which I prepared by myself. I used online resources like mock tests, the IELTS preparation book, and Khan Academy to prepare. I didn’t end up needing those tests ultimately, but back then my plans were different.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for GOI-IES?

I started early. I think the best thing one can do is be prepared. I always knew I’d need a scholarship to study abroad, so before I even knew it would be GOI-IES, I tried gaining as much experience and as many different types of experiences as I could. I did extracurricular work, volunteering, projects, etc., and just followed my passion, seeing wherever it took me.

How Was Your Experience at South East Technological University?

I loved studying at SETU. The coursework was focused, up-to-date, and very challenging. Its difficulty was also part of what made it so rewarding. As an international student, I felt very welcome.

How Do You Rate South East Technological University Academically and Why?

I’d rate SETU as 8/10 academically. It depends on what one needs from their course. In terms of skill acquisition and hands-on learning, SETU is excellent. I felt a true sense of accomplishment after completing my dissertation and passing my exams. The lecturers were supportive and enjoyed teaching their subjects. I really appreciated how the lecturers encouraged open dialogue about whatever we were studying.

How Does South East Technological University Support International Students?

SETU’s international office supported us with practical matters such as immigration and settling into Ireland, and I found the wider university community very welcoming!

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

I had the opportunity to pursue a PhD immediately after graduation, but I couldn’t pursue it due to timing. I was then offered an internship at SETU where I found an extremely supportive manager, Dr Sarah Sartori, with whom I now work as a Research Assistant. I would like to pursue a PhD in astroinformatics in the future.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I have often wondered about this myself, and I can’t say I have a definitive answer to why I was chosen. But I think aside from good academics and focused career choices, my extracurricular activities such as volunteering for an organisation that donated my art sale proceeds to Doctors Without Borders, running an astronomy page on Instagram that grew to around 10,000 followers, and writing personal essays helped me stand out. I wasn’t satisfied with just academics and tended to pursue things simply because I was curious about them or thought they mattered. Looking back, I think that gave my application a more personal touch. My activities weren’t all identical or even related to my career, but they showed curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to build things independently. I also had a genuine interest in Irish culture before moving to Ireland. Because of reading Irish mythology and history, I was able to speak about that interest naturally in my essays and explain why studying in Ireland appealed to me beyond the academic side. I think that helped strengthen the cultural-exchange aspect of my application and showed that I was genuinely interested in engaging with Ireland as a place and a community, rather than simply studying and working there.

I think there can be a lot of pressure to follow a conventional path, especially when applying for competitive opportunities. My experience taught me that there is also value in following your own interests, even when they do not fit perfectly into your career path. Standing out will not always work in your favour, but sometimes it only takes one opportunity where the right people understand what you are trying to do.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would start as early as possible. It is never too early. In fact, starting early would have saved me a lot of trouble. For example, if you want to study in 2028, start working on your application and funds in 2026. Take it slow. Also, have self-confidence and courage. A lot of the time I didn’t take the next step because I didn’t believe I could succeed. I was wrong. As they say, you miss every shot you don’t take.

I think people also underestimate the mental drain the international student application process can have on those who don’t start from a springboard or already have funding. I stressed myself out a lot because of this. I think the biggest lesson I learned was that stress and effort are not the same. I’d keep the effort and try to reduce the stress as much as possible.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Everyone shortlisted will already have good academics, references, or career histories. I’d focus on what makes you different. Aside from common advice such as have good academics, do extra-curriculars, have relevant work experience, I’d want to say – take advice from wherever you can, learn from both people’s failures and successes. And, in the end, believe in your own judgement and take action accordingly. Only you fully know your capability and goals. I was told my essays aren’t good enough and that I wouldn’t win the GOI-IES scholarship, which is fair; it is a very competitive scholarship. Perhaps people were trying to save me from disappointment. I can’t say I didn’t doubt myself occasionally either. But ultimately, I knew that no matter what happened, I would go for what I want, and I did, and that somehow worked out. I think that conviction and genuine interest become visible in your essays and in the choices you have made over time. For a scholarship like GOI-IES, where so many applicants already have strong academics, I think being able to communicate who you are and why your goals matter is especially important.