How an Indian Student Won QUT’s International Merit Scholarship to Pursue a Dual Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) and Business (Economics) at Queensland University of Technology

Hello everyone, my name is Marwa Abdul Wahab, an Indian student who has completed her high school in the UAE. I’m currently pursing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors)(Civil)/ Bachelor of Business (Economics) at the ‘Queensland University of Technology’. As an individual who is passionate about working in the field of consulting & construction with a focus on sustainability, this degree encompasses my interests and the teaching approach at the university with a focus on ‘real world application’ further helps in developing relevant knowledge.

International Merit Scholarship Details

I have received the ‘International Merit Scholarship’ directly from the university (Queensland University of Technology), covering 25% of the tuition fees.

Educational Background

I completed my high school in a CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) affiliated school, achieving a score of 92% in year 12, thus securing the position of valedictorian (came second in the science stream) all while participating in extra-curriculars and being the President of the girl’s Student Council. My education background served as a great start ahead for my chosen fields, and my involvement in competitions and co-curricular activities helped me develop soft skills beneficial for my endeavors, not just at university but for my future career as well.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queensland University of Technology?

For finding information regarding the institutions and scholarships, research is your best friend! I would recommend going online and referring to different websites, and if you know someone who is studying at your preferred institution, then asking them for their opinion is also good. Most importantly also remember to consider your own point of view, Would I enjoy studying at this institution? Will my degree be of value after graduation and What’s the ROI? What are the opportunities available? Etc., this can really support in choosing the best university for yourself.

After deciding on your university, proceed to check out the admissions criteria, as for my university, an IELTS score was required. Hence, I submitted the IELTS exam during grade 12 and secured an overall band 8, with a score of 9 in the listening section. To prepare for the exam, I had self-studied using relevant websites, such as the ‘British Council’ and YouTube channels. I gave myself around 3 months to prepare for the exam, however I didn’t have a fixed schedule, therefore depending on your timetable, the time for preparation can vary. So I would recommend firstly getting to know the exam format and basic information, then attempting a practice exam, which you can do by setting a timer. Doing this can help in understanding where you must improve and how to structure your study routine.  

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Along with my academics, I think my involvement in different extra-curricular’s and the Student Council for 4 consecutive years, displayed my enthusiasm for learning and leadership abilities. Being part of different clubs at school, where you can improve your hobbies also serves as a great point. For example, I was part of the ‘Model United Nations’ (MUN) and Entrepreneurship clubs at school and also took part in several inter and intra school competitions that focused on sustainability, creative writing and debate/public speaking. All of which are activities that I enjoy doing, that also align with my future career goals.

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

One thing I would focus on is ‘Volunteering Experience’, as you soon realize that at university it is given great value and can really help in making your resume stand out for potential job applications. I would also recommend using summer holidays to explore your intertest and if possible, doing a passion project or getting online certifications can also boost your skills, further supporting your application.

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

As this scholarship is academic based, I would recommend focusing on your studying and on better understanding the concepts, as doing this will not only assist in your applications but also make starting your semester at university less intimidating. Nevertheless, also remember that soft skills are as equally important as technical skill, henceforth participating in competitions of your interests and being part of school clubs where you can develop these skills can also help your application in being successful.

All the best!