How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Through the International Postgraduate Scholarship

My name is Osho Ademola Joel, and I am from Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Glasgow Caledonian University London in the United Kingdom, where my research focuses on digital microfinance, financial inclusion, women's entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in addressing socioeconomic challenges.

I am also the founder of Ajoti (www.ajoti.com), a research-led fintech platform that emerged from my doctoral research. Ajoti is designed to improve financial inclusion through transparent savings systems, ethical access to finance, and community-based financial solutions. The platform seeks to address challenges associated with predatory digital lending while promoting sustainable economic empowerment, particularly for underserved populations.

My academic and professional journey has taken me across Asia, Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. Alongside my studies, I have built businesses, conducted research, published academic work, presented at international conferences, and taught in higher education.

My journey into international education was not straightforward. In 2017, after experiencing unsuccessful attempts to secure a U.S. visa, I founded Supretec Aluminium and Roofing in Nigeria. Rather than allowing disappointment to define my future, I focused on building a business and developing practical entrepreneurial experience. Over time, Supretec became a central part of my scholarship applications, personal statements, and interviews, helping me secure opportunities in China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

My decision to pursue further education was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I wanted to understand how business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology could be used to solve real-world challenges. That journey has ultimately led to both academic achievements and the creation of ventures such as Supretec and Ajoti.

Scholarship Details

• Institution: Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
• Scholarship: Fully Funded International Postgraduate Scholarship
• Programme: MSc Business Management
• Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition scholarship and associated study support.

The scholarship provided me with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Hong Kong and gain international academic and professional exposure.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes.

Beijing Normal University, China (2018/2019)

Scholarship: Belt and Road Initiative Scholarship

Programme: MBA

Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and living stipend.

Although I was awarded the scholarship, I was unable to take up the opportunity after my visa application was denied twice.

University of Utah, United States (2024/2025)

Scholarship: Fully Funded Master of Business Creation Scholarship

Programme: Master of Business Creation (MBC)

Scholarship Coverage: Full scholarship support.

I accepted the scholarship and graduated as the Outstanding Student of the University of Utah Master of Business Creation Class of 2025.

Educational Background

I hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Following this, I secured a fully funded scholarship to study an MSc in Business Management at Hong Kong Baptist University. During my studies, I was sponsored by the university to attend a Summer School programme in Sustainable Finance at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany.

I later completed a Master of Business Creation at the University of Utah, where I graduated as the Outstanding Student of the Class of 2025.

My educational background provided strong foundations in finance, management, entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategy. Combined with my entrepreneurial experience, it enabled me to compete successfully for international scholarships and academic opportunities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

I approached the process strategically by identifying institutions that aligned with my interests in entrepreneurship, innovation, business management, finance, and research.

I spent considerable time reviewing programme structures, faculty expertise, scholarship opportunities, and institutional strengths. I also ensured that my applications clearly communicated my academic achievements, entrepreneurial experience, leadership activities, and long-term aspirations.

Rather than applying indiscriminately, I focused on programmes that aligned with my personal and professional goals.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I found information through university websites, scholarship databases, LinkedIn, educational networks, and recommendations from friends and mentors.

One of the most important opportunities came through a friend who shared a scholarship compilation on WhatsApp. That list included the Hong Kong Baptist University opportunity, which I eventually secured.

This experience taught me the importance of remaining connected to networks because opportunities can emerge from unexpected places.

Did You Take Any Standardised Tests Such as SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes. I completed the required admission and English language requirements applicable to the institutions I applied to. However, I was still qualified for English waiver because I studied for my undergraduate in English.

Preparation involved structured study plans, practice exercises, familiarisation with examination formats, and disciplined time management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarships?

One of the most important aspects of my scholarship applications was presenting a compelling story that connected my academic ambitions with practical entrepreneurial experience.

After experiencing U.S. visa refusals in 2017, I established Supretec Aluminium and Roofing. The business became a defining part of my professional identity and eventually formed the foundation of my applications to Beijing Normal University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of Utah.

Through Supretec, I was able to demonstrate leadership, resilience, customer management, project delivery, strategic thinking, business development, and entrepreneurial execution. Rather than discussing business concepts theoretically, I was able to provide practical examples from my own entrepreneurial journey.

The business featured prominently in my personal statements, scholarship essays, and interviews and helped distinguish my applications from those based solely on academic achievements.

How is (was) Your Experience at the Institutions?

My experience has been highly rewarding. Studying in different countries exposed me to diverse perspectives, cultures, and approaches to business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and research.

The international environment enhanced both my academic development and personal growth. It also helped me build relationships with people from different backgrounds and strengthened my ability to work across cultures.

How Do You Rate the Institutions Academically and Why?

I would rate both Hong Kong Baptist University and the University of Utah highly because of their commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student development.

Hong Kong Baptist University provided a strong international learning environment and opportunities for global exposure, while the University of Utah's Master of Business Creation programme uniquely integrated venture creation with graduate education, allowing students to build businesses while earning a master's degree.

How Do the Institutions Support International Students?

The institutions provided extensive support through orientation programmes, academic advising, faculty mentorship, career services, student support teams, and international student communities.

These resources helped facilitate both academic success and social integration.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

Following my studies, I continued my entrepreneurial activities, academic research, publishing, conference presentations, and teaching.

I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at Glasgow Caledonian University. My doctoral research has led to the development of Ajoti, a fintech platform focused on ethical digital finance and financial inclusion.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my applications stood out because they combined academic achievement with genuine entrepreneurial experience.

Supretec Aluminium and Roofing became a recurring theme throughout my applications to Beijing Normal University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of Utah.

The business allowed me to demonstrate resilience, initiative, leadership, and practical business experience. Rather than discussing entrepreneurship in theory, I was able to provide real examples of managing projects, serving customers, overcoming challenges, and building a company.

I also presented a clear vision of how education, entrepreneurship, and research could be combined to create meaningful social and economic impact. I believe this combination of resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and purpose helped my applications stand out.

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

I would have applied to more scholarship opportunities earlier and sought guidance from previous scholarship recipients sooner.

I would also have maintained more detailed records of my achievements, projects, and experiences, making future applications easier to prepare.

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

My biggest advice is not to allow rejection to define your future.

In 2017, I experienced multiple U.S. visa refusals while pursuing opportunities for international education. At the time, the experience was disappointing. However, instead of becoming discouraged, I focused on building Supretec Aluminium and Roofing.

That decision changed the trajectory of my life.

The business I built during that period of uncertainty eventually became one of the strongest components of my scholarship applications and interviews. It helped me secure opportunities at Beijing Normal University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of Utah.

I also learned that setbacks do not necessarily mean failure. After receiving the Belt and Road Initiative Scholarship to study at Beijing Normal University, I was unable to take up the award because my visa application was denied twice. At the time, it felt like a major disappointment.

However, I continued investing in my personal development, entrepreneurial activities, and academic aspirations. Later, I secured a fully funded scholarship at Hong Kong Baptist University and subsequently a fully funded scholarship at the University of Utah, where I graduated as the Outstanding Student of the Master of Business Creation Class of 2025.

My advice is simple:

• Do not allow rejection to define your future.
• Build meaningful experiences while waiting for opportunities.
• Apply widely and strategically.
• Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills alongside academic excellence.
• Tell an authentic story that connects your experiences, goals, and aspirations.

Often, the experiences that initially seem like setbacks become the very experiences that distinguish your application.