UCL Global Undergraduate Scholar, Louisa Wirawan from Indonesia, Pursues a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at University College London

Hi! My name is Louisa Wirawan, and I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia. I’m studying the BA Archaeology and Anthropology at University College London. I’ve always loved history and learning about how the past mirrors not just the present but the future, in societies all over the world. This joint degree allows me to explore both the material and social side of history, whilst broadening the scope of study to intersect with a lot of different fields (e.g. geography, sociology) beyond just a specific time period of history.

Global Undergraduate Scholarship Details

I received the Global Undergraduate Scholarship Award from UCL, covering full tuition and living expenses for ten of the top applicants to the scholarship. It provides up to 16,800 pounds every year, though the amount differs based on the program you applied to.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered:

NTU School Scholarship, Singapore

APU Japan Full Scholarship

Deakin University Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship

Educational Background

I studied in Jakarta up until I was fifteen, maintaining top grades throughout primary and secondary school, whilst being involved in student leadership. I then received a Singapore ASEAN scholarship, a fully funded program that allowed me to move to Singapore and finish my education there without tuition or living costs. I maintained A's throughout upper secondary and high school. In high school, I also particularly excelled in History, joining the advanced H3 History class to write a research paper judged by the National University of Singapore.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UCL?

How Did You Find Information About the Global Undergraduate Scholarship and UCL?

I just googled scholarship databases and spent a lot of time combing the internet.

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

No

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Global Undergraduate Scholarship?

I researched the university’s programs extensively, picking out specific details that would show I was an eager student and a perfect match for the program. I also altered each application to the specific scholarship I was applying to, including specific details from the websites, charts, and program booklets that resonated with me. I drafted my scholarship essay statements many times to ensure I was submitting the best possible version, as it improved in each iteration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think I created a cohesive candidate portrait that leveraged not just my academic hard work but my initiative outside of school as well as my hobbies. Instead of picking random activities for well-roundedness, I chose a specific way to portray my passion and academic ambitions that linked all my grades, goals, and interests together.

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

I would have looked at more industry-sponsored scholarships for stability, as they can sometimes come with a bond after your studies.

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

Be yourself, be honest, and be confident in what you have to offer. Scholarship committees want to help you, they want to find people to grant the scholarship to. Don’t try to portray the candidate you think you should be if it’s not true to your own experiences and interests.