Master’s Sustainable Aquaculture Commonwealth Shared Scholar Oisereme Abulu from Nigeria Shares Her Journey of Studying in the United Kingdom

My name is Oisereme Abulu, a Nigerian student currently pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Aquaculture at the University of Stirling under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme. I studied fisheries and aquaculture for my undergraduate degree, although it wasn’t my first choice at the time. It was the course I was offered, and I chose to make the most out of it. Over time, I grew into it, and it became something I genuinely cared about, especially the aquaculture part. I began to understand how important it is for food security and livelihoods, especially in countries like mine, where aquaculture has huge potential but still faces many challenges. I then decided to pursue further studies in the field so that I can be able to contribute to improving sustainable aquaculture systems.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I received the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, funded by the UK government and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, to study MSc Sustainable Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, United Kingdom. The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living stipend for the duration of the programme.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. In the previous year, I was offered partial funding through the Erasmus ACES-STAR Scholarship for a postgraduate programme. Although it was a good opportunity, the funding did not fully cover the cost of the programme, so I wasn’t able to accept it.

Educational Background

I obtained a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Fisheries and Aquaculture, graduating with First Class honours (4.59/5.00). During my undergraduate studies, I worked on several aquaculture-related topics, including fish nutrition, fish health, and aquaculture management. My final year research focused on the effect of Thevetia neriifolia on the growth, survival, and blood parameters of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. This academic background strengthened me in areas like fish biology, aquaculture systems, and research methods, which helped prepare me for postgraduate study in sustainable aquaculture.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Stirling?

I spent time researching universities with the best aquaculture programmes and good research facilities. I looked at the course structure, the details of the staff, and how relevant the programme was to my interests, and the University of Stirling checked all my boxes. I also found information about scholarships mainly through online searches, university websites, and social media platforms. I took the IELTS test when preparing to apply for scholarships and scored an overall band of 8.0; however, I didn’t really need it for my university, as my high school English result (WAEC) was sufficient for my country.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

I had to do a lot of reflection and planning. I took time to understand the goals and focus areas of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and aligned my application with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I also made sure my essays clearly connected my past experiences, academic interests, and long-term career goals, showing how the scholarship would enable me to contribute meaningfully to development in my home country.

How is Your Experience at the University of Stirling?

My experience has been really good so far. Before coming, I was quite nervous because I knew I would be stepping into a completely new environment, and I wasn’t sure what to expect or how things would turn out. But honestly, it has been a great experience. One of the things that really helped is that there are a lot of international students here, and many of us are going through similar adjustments. It makes it easier to connect, and it almost feels like we’re all in it together. That sense of community has made settling in much smoother for me.

How Do You Rate the University of Stirling Academically?

I would rate the University of Stirling highly for aquaculture studies because it is one of the best places in the world for aquaculture training and research espicially with its well-known institute of aquaculture, along with good labs, great research resources, and practical facilities. The lecturers are experienced and well-informed, and their teaching is also quite rigorous, which really helps you understand the subject properly.

How Does the University of Stirling Support International Students?

The University of Stirling provides support for international students through orientation programmes, academic support, and student learning services. Each student is also assigned a personal tutor who can provide guidance and support when needed. The staff are also very approachable and accessible, whether in person or via email. In addition, the university offers mental health and wellbeing services, as well as a range of student groups, activities, and events that help international students settle in and feel part of the community.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application stood out because of my strong academic record and because I connected my academic and professional background with my long-term goals. I was able to show how studying sustainable aquaculture would help me contribute to improving aquaculture development and food security in my home country.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing much earlier. Scholarship applications require several documents and strong personal statements, and the Commonwealth Scholarship in particular involves writing several essays, so giving yourself enough time is very important. I would also reach out to previous scholars for guidance and mentorship, especially for advice on how to approach the application and for help reviewing my essays.

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

My advice would be to start researching scholarships early and make sure your application clearly explains your goals and motivations. Also show how your studies will contribute to development in your home country and proofread your application carefully before submitting. Most importantly, do not be discouraged by the competitiveness of the process. Many people assume they are not strong candidates, but if you put together a thoughtful and well-prepared application, you may be surprised by the outcome.