How Ingrid Saraiva, a Brazilian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Aston University Through the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship

My name is Ingrid Saraiva, and I’m from Ananindeua, in northern Brazil. I was the first person in my immediate family to go to university, and the first to earn a master’s degree. I completed an MSc in Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Aston University in the UK. I chose this field because I’ve always been curious about how intelligent machines work, and because robotics and automation are at the heart of many of the challenges companies face today. I wanted to build the skills to help solve them.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Details

• Institution: Aston University, in partnership with the British Council
• Scholarship: British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM
• Amount: Full scholarship covering tuition fees, a living stipend, travel costs, IELTS test and visa, and health coverage fees

Educational Background

I have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. My average grade was 7.5 out of 10, which is how grades are usually reported in Brazil. Engineering degrees in Brazil are long, usually 4 to 6 years, and cover a wide range of subjects. That taught me to stay open to new areas of knowledge, and it gave me a base in mechanics, which made the move into robotics a good next step.

How Did You Find Information About British Council Women in STEM Scholarship and Aston University?

A teacher told me about the scholarship. Studying abroad had always been a big dream of mine, so when I heard about this opportunity, I decided to commit fully to it.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS. I prepared with free resources on YouTube and other websites. Once you book your test date, the official IELTS website also gives you access to practice tests, which helped me get used to the real format.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?

First, I read the scholarship information again and again until I understood exactly what they were looking for. Then I searched LinkedIn for women who had already received the scholarship and contacted them for advice. Preparing took me a couple of months, and during that time I studied English intensively so I would feel confident in any interviews.

How Is Your Experience at Aston University?

It was a really good experience. I had never had so many resources available to me: labs, equipment, libraries, and support from staff. Studying in a foreign language was challenging at first, but it pushed me to grow academically, professionally and personally.

How Does Aston University Support International Students?

Aston was very welcoming. The university offered English classes for international students and organised events where we could meet students from many different countries. I always felt welcome.

What Did You Pursue After the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?

I came back to Brazil, as I had always planned, and now work on project measurement for an EPC mining plant. It isn’t robotics yet, but the analytical and technical skills I gained during my master’s are part of my daily work. My goal is to move closer to robotics and automation in the coming years.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Knowing myself really well. The selection wasn’t based only on grades. They wanted to know who I was and what I planned to do in the future. Because I could explain my story, my goals, and my plans clearly, I believe that’s what made me stand out.

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

I would have prepared for the IELTS much earlier. I ran into some problems with the test and had to travel to another city to take it, which added stress at a time when I had many other things to focus on.

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

This was the most spectacular experience of my life, and I’m very proud of it. My main advice is to understand clearly why you want this opportunity before you apply. Along the way, you may face rejections, difficulties, and long waits, and remembering your “why” will keep you going. Also, take the time to talk to people who have been through the process. Their advice can be incredibly helpful.