Studying Journalism Abroad: Nasratullah’s Path from Afghanistan to Europe with Full Funding

I’m Nasratullah Taban, and I’m from Afghanistan. My journey is rooted in storytelling, journalism, and advocacy; fields that have shaped both my personal and professional life. I’ve always been passionate about journalism because of its power to drive change, raise awareness, and tell impactful stories. I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies, and I’ve worked as a journalist and communications specialist focusing on news reporting, multimedia storytelling, and international affairs.

From a young age, I knew journalism was my calling. My love for writing and my desire to make a difference through media drove me to pursue further education and a career in this field.

Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship and Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) Details

I feel incredibly fortunate to have received two prestigious scholarships that were instrumental in my academic journey. The first was the Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship, which fully funded my bachelor’s degree in Journalism at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (2017-2021). This scholarship covered everything; tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, giving me the chance to fully focus on my studies.

After completing my bachelor’s, I was awarded the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), allowing me to pursue a master’s in Media Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland (2022-2023). This scholarship provided full tuition coverage along with a living stipend, helping me concentrate entirely on my education.

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, graduating with a GPA of 3.92 out of 4.00. My time in Kazakhstan was eye-opening; it not only refined my journalistic skills but also gave me the opportunity to engage with a diverse academic community. I participated in over 10 international conferences on journalism, communication, MUN, and human rights, which significantly broadened my perspectives.

Afterward, I pursued a master’s degree in Media Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, earning a GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. This program significantly expanded my knowledge in media research, digital communication, and human rights advocacy. I was proud to represent Afghanistan by organizing an international conference on the situation of Afghan girls under Taliban rule and producing a documentary titled Women’s Life and Education in Afghanistan, which won the Best Social Documentary Award at the CRAOL Festival 2023. The documentary also became one of the most listened-to radio programs in Ireland. Additionally, I was honored to be named an Education in Ireland International Ambassador, a recognition of my commitment to education and cultural exchange. I also received the Outstanding Achievement Award from my college for my cultural and academic contributions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Different Institutions?

To apply to the institutions, I conducted extensive research to find programs that aligned with my career aspirations. For the Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship, I had to pass a math exam, which required serious preparation. I dedicated a lot of time to practicing math concepts, ensuring I was fully prepared.

For the Government of Ireland Scholarship, I focused on improving my English skills. I took the IELTS exam and achieved a score of 7, which demonstrated my readiness for academic life in an English-speaking environment. I also spent a solid month refining my personal statement, reviewing numerous examples and making sure my narrative was both authentic and compelling.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)?

In preparing for the scholarships, I made sure to thoroughly understand the application guidelines for both the Kazakhstan and Ireland scholarships. For the Kazakhstan scholarship, the math exam was a significant challenge, so I focused on practicing and improving my skills. For the Ireland scholarship, I concentrated on the IELTS exam, especially the writing section, which I found challenging. I also worked diligently on my personal statement, ensuring it accurately conveyed my passion for journalism and how this scholarship would shape my future.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Several factors helped my application stand out:

1. Strong Academic Record: My GPA of 3.92 in my bachelor’s studies demonstrated my commitment to academic excellence.
2. Practical Experience: Beyond academics, I gained hands-on experience through internships, volunteer and official work with Afghan and Kazakh media outlets, which provided me with real-world insights that enriched my application.
3. Compelling Personal Statement: I dedicated significant time to crafting a personal statement that not only highlighted my academic achievements but also conveyed my deep passion for journalism. I made sure to articulate my vision for how I want to use journalism to make a global impact. In my statement, I also clearly outlined my plans for both my time in Ireland and the goals I aim to achieve after completing my studies.

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

If I were to go through this process again, I would start my preparations earlier. Having more time would have allowed me to perfect my personal statement further and gather more feedback from mentors. I also would have dedicated additional time to the IELTS writing section to improve my writing. Lastly, I would have explored more scholarship options to increase my chances of receiving funding.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to start early. Giving yourself enough time to research your options, prepare your application, and make sure everything is in order is crucial. Your personal statement is key, it should be authentic and clearly showcase your passion, achievements, and future aspirations. Don’t just focus on your grades; practical experience matters too. Take your tests and GPA seriously, especially exams like IELTS. Consistent practice, especially in areas where you feel less confident, can really make a difference. And remember, setbacks are part of the process; don’t get discouraged. Stay persistent, keep improving, and view each application as an opportunity to learn and grow.

I hope my story is helpful to anyone considering applying for similar scholarships. The journey is challenging, but so worthwhile. Stay organized, put your heart into it, and don’t give up!