Ukrainian Scholar Wins Fully Funded Sanctuary Scholarship to Study Common Law at the University of Glasgow

Hi! Привіт! My name is Khrystyna, and I am 24 years old. I am from Ukraine. I studied Common Law, LLB (Accelerated degree). In 2024, I graduated with Merit from Glasgow University. I have always been passionate about law. While studying my previous degree, I had the chance to participate in the Erasmus exchange program. I studied Consumer Law during one semester at the UCLan Cyprus and loved it! Then I decided to write my thesis on Manipulations in Modern Advertising: Legal Aspects and Consumers’ Perceptions, where I analysed legal frameworks of 4 different countries.

Sanctuary Scholarship Details

Sanctuary scholarship - Glasgow University, full tuition fee coverage + £5000/year

Educational Background

I have a degree in Modern Business Management, Grade: 4.95 out of 5.5 / 90 out of 100. Grade: 4.95 out of 5.5 / 90 out of 100

• TOP 10% best-performing student in the university.
• Thesis on Manipulations in Modern Advertising: Legal Aspects and Consumers’ Perceptions.
• Research publication: A Fair Balance between Data Protection and Innovation: Smart Cities.
• Participation in the mSVOK International Conference.
• Rector's stipend in 2019/20 and 2020/21 for being among the TOP 10% best-performing students in the university.

At school, I was also a top 10% best-performing student, and I always took part in various competitions

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Glasgow University?

I passed the English exam with merit (Pearson Test of English, level B2) when I was in high school. How did I prepare? I used to watch a lot of videos/movies (e.g. TED Talks) or listen to podcasts, or news (e.g. BBC). The most difficult part for me was the speaking part; I had to learn a lot of texts by heart before I could speak freely. What really helped was talking to other students, having simple dialogues, or discussing anything. I didn’t have to pass any additional tests

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship?

Research, research, and research! I did a lot of research on the course and the university, the professors and etc. You must be certain that this is the program and university where you want to study, and you must be able to explain WHY.

How is (was) Your Experience at Glasgow University?

1000/10! It was the best experience of my life! Lots of support from the university, lots of activities, clubs, and friends. The University of Glasgow has a large library and a world-class environment for learning and research. I loved the learning hub - a unique modern space where you can easily focus on your studies. The campus itself looks very beautiful and resembles Hogwarts!

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I’m not sure, as it was a Sanctuary Scholarship. But I think it was my dedication to law throughout my life (grades, thesis, research & publication, etc.)

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

nothing

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

Be consistent:

Pursuing a scholarship can feel frustrating sometimes. I’ve applied to lots and lots of scholarships a few years in a row before I received one, and when I saw an “unfortunately” email, I always felt frustrated. My advice would be to stay persistent and have a plan B. My plan B was my work. In 2020, I started working to make up money for the LLB degree.

Do not give up easily:

In 2022, the Ukraine-Russia war broke out, and I lost all of my money (spent it to flee the country and live in a safer place). I was almost sure I’d never study my LLB. But then the lucky chance came up and I took it! You have to set your expectations and be prepared - sometimes it takes more than one application to succeed.

Show off:

Modesty is useless when applying for things like these. You have to show off, whether you like it or not. You have to remember all of the achievements, all of the hard work you put in, and you have to start feeling like you already deserve to study this program at this university.

Research!!!

When it comes to the essays or interviews stages, you have to be always 101% prepared. You have to know EVERYTHING about the program and the university where you want to study. You have to know WHY exactly you want to study there and support it with real-life proofs. You might want to connect your goals to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, etc.

Remember:

You are more than your grades or your resume. You are your story, the late nights you studied when others slept, the times you kept going despite setbacks, the passion that drives you to make a difference. These are the things that make you stand out.

A scholarship is not just a reward; it’s an opportunity. An open door to new possibilities, connections, and growth. So, if you get lucky, embrace that experience. Participate actively, be a leader, and stand out!

And even if you face rejection, go with your plan B. What’s meant for you is what you truly want.