How Christiana Ijeoma Okonta, a Nigerian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering at EARTH University, Costa Rica Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

My name is Christiana Ijeoma Okonta, and I am from Nigeria. Today, I am a first-year undergraduate student in Agricultural Engineering at EARTH University in Costa Rica, where my studies are deeply rooted in both academic rigor and hands-on experience. Each cuatrimestre has given me a new opportunity to connect theory with practice: in my first term, I worked on the university’s animal farm; in the second, I taught precision agriculture and GPS skills to high school students; and now, in my third term, I am working at CIDER, where I recently assisted in the lab with entomological specimen preservation. My role involved inspecting insect samples, removing damaged specimens, disinfecting and preserving intact ones with ethanol, and oven-drying them for long-term study. These experiences have shaped my vision of using agricultural technology to empower communities and improve food systems.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was awarded the fully funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, which covers tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, and even flight fare back home. This scholarship has been transformative, allowing me to pursue my studies without financial burden and focus fully on building skills for future leadership in agriculture. Earlier in my journey, I also received a scholarship from the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in 2013 for academic excellence during junior high school. That recognition encouraged me to keep striving for international opportunities and laid the foundation for my pursuit of higher education abroad.

Educational Background

My academic background is strong and consistent. I completed senior high school at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja, where my transcript shows high marks across sciences and mathematics, often above 90 in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In my final year, I sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), a crucial exam for all West African students. My WAEC results included distinctions in Civic Education (A1), English Language (B3), Further Mathematics (B3), and Fisheries (B3), alongside solid passes in other science subjects. This foundation prepared me to pursue agricultural engineering and gave me the resilience to apply for international scholarships.

How Did You Find Information About Mastercard Foundation Scholarship/EARTH University? Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare for Them?

I first learned about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship online. As for EARTH University, I discovered it through a woman who had graduated from my high school years before me. Her story inspired me to explore the institution and eventually apply. The application process itself was rigorous: I submitted recommendation letters, sat for an aptitude test and a math exam, and completed two interviews. Unlike many international students, I did not take TOEFL or IELTS; instead, I demonstrated my readiness through these exams and interviews, showing proof of my commitment and capability.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Spanish?

At EARTH University, classes are conducted in Spanish. Non-Spanish-speaking students arrive months earlier for intensive language training, and I recently completed a 470-hour Spanish program, earning my certificate. Professors and academic staff also provide ongoing support, which has helped me adapt quickly and thrive in a multicultural academic setting.

Looking ahead, my goal is to intern at UC Davis and later pursue opportunities in agricultural robotics at ETH Zürich or other European institutions. I want to bring advanced mechanization and precision agriculture back to my community, bridging technology and farming to create sustainable solutions.

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

Reflecting on my journey, I believe my application stood out because it combined academic excellence with community impact. I wasn’t just studying agriculture; I was already applying it in teaching and practical work. If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing earlier and seek more mentorship during the essay-writing stage. My advice to future applicants is simple: be authentic. Share both your academic journey and personal resilience, and show how your goals connect to community impact. Scholarships look for vision, not just grades.