How I Secured a Funded Master’s at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, United States Through the Fulbright Scholarship

My name is Lekey Dorji, and I am from Langbi village in Sephu Bloc under Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan. I am a lifelong student of economics and intellectual property law, professionally serving with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan. I have worked in the field of intellectual property since 2018 and have developed a strong professional interest in the relationship between intellectual property, innovation, economic development, and public policy.

I pursued a Master of Science in Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the United States, followed by a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property, specializing in Patent Law and Design Law, at Ankara University in Türkiye. I chose these fields because economics provides the analytical foundation for understanding how policies, institutions, and incentives shape development, while intellectual property law provides the legal and policy tools required to support innovation, creativity, technology transfer, and commercialization. Together, these disciplines enable me to contribute more effectively to Bhutan’s innovation and intellectual property ecosystem.

Scholarships Details

I have received two major international scholarships:

Fulbright Scholarship

I was a Fulbright Scholar, Class of 2023, through which I completed a Master of Science in Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois, United States, from August 2021 to August 2023.

• Scholarship: Fulbright Scholarship
• Institution: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Degree: Master of Science in Economics
• Scholarship amount:  The scholarship provided financial support for my graduate studies in accordance with the terms of my Fulbright award.

WIPO Scholarship

I was also a WIPO Scholar, Class of 2025, through which I completed a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property, specializing in Patent Law and Design Law, at Ankara University, Türkiye, from September 2024 to June 2025.

• Scholarship: WIPO Scholarship
• Institution: Ankara University
• Degree: Master of Laws in Intellectual Property, specializing in Patent Law and Design Law
• Scholarship amount:  The scholarship supported my participation in the degree programme in accordance with the applicable WIPO scholarship arrangements.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I did not apply for or receive offers for other scholarships during the relevant application periods.

Educational Background

My academic background is multidisciplinary and includes language and literature, public administration, economics, and intellectual property law.

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Dzongkha and English at Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, from 2011 to 2014. I then obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Royal Institute of Management in 2015. Subsequently, I completed a Master of Science in Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale from 2021 to 2023 and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property, specializing in Patent Law and Design Law, at Ankara University from 2024 to 2025.

My undergraduate education strengthened my communication, interpretation, research, and writing abilities. The postgraduate programme in public administration deepened my understanding of governance, public institutions, policy implementation, and the responsibilities of public service. My economics education equipped me with analytical skills in economic policy, econometrics, statistical modelling, and evidence-based decision-making. The LL.M. programme then enabled me to develop specialized expertise in intellectual property law, particularly patent law, design law, treaty interpretation, legal reform, technology transfer, and commercialization.

This progression prepared me well for scholarship applications because it demonstrated a coherent professional journey: from public administration and economic analysis to specialized legal and policy expertise in intellectual property and innovation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ankara University?

I began by identifying institutions and programmes that were closely aligned with my professional responsibilities and long-term goals. Rather than applying solely based on institutional reputation, I examined the programme curriculum, faculty expertise, academic requirements, scholarship conditions, application timelines, and the relevance of each programme to Bhutan’s development needs.

I also reviewed the admission requirements carefully and prepared the required materials well in advance. These included my academic records, curriculum vitae, personal statements, scholarship essays, letters of recommendation, proof of English-language proficiency, and other supporting documents.

A particularly important part of my preparation was developing a clear explanation of how the programme would strengthen my professional contribution after graduation. I tried to ensure that my application demonstrated not only what I wished to learn, but also how I intended to apply that knowledge in Bhutan.

How Did You Find Information About WIPO Scholarship and Ankara University?

I took the IELTS examination as part of my application preparation. I prepared mainly by using online learning materials, including practice questions, sample examinations, instructional videos, and other freely available resources.

I primarily obtained information through the official websites of scholarship providers, universities, and academic programmes. I reviewed programme descriptions, admission criteria, scholarship benefits, application procedures, deadlines, and frequently asked questions directly from these official sources.

Using official websites helped me obtain reliable and current information and reduced the risk of relying on incomplete or inaccurate information from unofficial sources.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarships?

I approached the scholarship applications carefully and gave particular attention to the essays. I took sufficient time to reflect on my professional journey, academic objectives, leadership experience, intended contribution to Bhutan, and the reasons I was a suitable candidate for the scholarship.

I did not treat the essays as a repetition of my CV. Instead, I used them to connect my previous education and work experience with my future goals. I tried to demonstrate a clear relationship between the proposed programme, my professional responsibilities, and the broader needs of my country.

I also requested senior colleagues to review my essays. Their feedback helped me improve the clarity, structure, relevance, and persuasiveness of my responses. This review process was valuable because it allowed me to identify weaknesses that I might not have noticed independently.

How is Your Experience at Ankara University?

My experience was genuinely eye-opening. It extended far beyond formal academic learning and exposed me to different cultures, perspectives, institutions, and ways of life.

Studying in an international environment allowed me to engage with people from diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds. These interactions challenged some of my assumptions and encouraged me to examine issues from multiple perspectives. I also learned to adapt to unfamiliar environments, communicate across cultures, and become more independent and open-minded.

The experience strengthened me both professionally and personally. It broadened my understanding of the world while also helping me appreciate Bhutan’s own values, institutions, and development priorities more deeply.

How Do You Rate Ankara University Academically?

I would rate the institution as outstanding academically.

The academic environment was rigorous, intellectually stimulating, and supported by qualified faculty members and appropriate academic resources. The programmes encouraged critical thinking, independent research, analytical reasoning, and the practical application of knowledge.

I particularly valued the opportunity to examine complex issues through both theoretical and practical perspectives. The academic experience strengthened not only my subject-specific knowledge but also my ability to conduct research, evaluate evidence, formulate arguments, and communicate ideas clearly.

How Does Ankara University Support International Students?

Southern Illinois University Carbondale had a dedicated Center for International Education, commonly referred to as the CIE, which provided specialized support to international students. I also worked as a Research Assistant at the Center from August 2021 to August 2023.

The existence of a dedicated international education office made it easier for international students to seek guidance on academic adjustment, immigration-related requirements, institutional procedures, cultural adaptation, and other practical matters.

Such support is particularly important because international students must adjust not only to a new academic system but also to a different social and cultural environment. The CIE helped create a more welcoming and supportive environment for international students.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country's Native Language?

My classes were conducted in English.

What Did You Pursue After the WIPO Scholarship?

After completing my studies, I returned to professional work and continued serving the Royal Government of Bhutan in the field of intellectual property.

I have been working as an Intellectual Property Officer with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment since January 2016. My current responsibilities allow me to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through my studies in economics and intellectual property law.

Would students face academic difficulties if they did not know the native language of the country?

My academic programme was conducted in English, and knowledge of the country’s native language was not necessary for participating in the programme academically.

Nevertheless, learning basic expressions in the local language can be helpful for daily life, cultural integration, and communication outside the university.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my professional experience and the clear connection between my work, proposed studies, and future goals made my application stand out.

At the time of applying, I already had substantial experience working in Bhutan’s intellectual property system. This allowed me to demonstrate that the scholarship would not simply benefit me as an individual. It would also strengthen my ability to contribute to institutional development, policy reform, innovation, and intellectual property administration in Bhutan.

My application was supported by a coherent professional narrative. My previous work had helped me identify specific knowledge and capacity gaps; the proposed degree addressed those gaps; and I had a credible platform through which to apply the knowledge after graduation.

My professional responsibilities also demonstrated leadership and public-service commitment. These included intellectual property policy and legislative work, participation in national task forces, training and capacity development, and engagement with international intellectual property processes. My experience showed that I had already begun contributing in the relevant field and that the scholarship could multiply the impact of that contribution.

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

I would largely follow the same approach because the process was successful and taught me the importance of careful preparation, authenticity, and seeking constructive feedback.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, I would maintain an even more systematic application schedule, allowing additional time for several rounds of essay revision and mock interviews.

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

My most important advice is to prepare an application that is authentic, coherent, and specific.

A strong scholarship essay should clearly explain why you deserve the opportunity, but it should do so through evidence rather than general claims. Applicants should demonstrate what they have already accomplished, what problem or capacity gap they want to address, why the selected programme is appropriate, and how they will apply the knowledge after graduation.

Applicants should also:

• Begin preparing well before the deadline.
• Read every application instruction carefully.
• Research the institution and programme thoroughly.
• Connect the proposed course of study to a clear professional or social purpose.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate leadership, resilience, commitment, and impact.
• Request trusted and experienced people to review the essays.
• Ensure that the essays complement rather than merely repeat the CV.
• Prepare thoroughly for the interview through mock questions and repeated practice.
• Be ready to explain every statement made in the application.
• Remain honest and avoid presenting an exaggerated or artificial version of themselves.

Most importantly, applicants should understand that scholarship committees are not only assessing academic ability. They are also assessing purpose, credibility, leadership potential, character, and the likelihood that the applicant will use the opportunity meaningfully.