How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom Through the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship

My name is Pramiksha Bagale, and I am from Nepal. Growing up in a small yet beautiful country surrounded by mountains and warm-hearted people, I have always been fascinated by nature and curious about life itself. This curiosity led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, followed by a master's degree in cancer research, focusing on molecular and cellular biology. My primary motivation for studying cancer is my deep desire to understand the molecular and cellular processes our bodies undergo when fighting diseases such as cancer. I hope to contribute to the discovery of therapies that may help in curing these diseases.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded scholarship, Women in STEM, from the British Council to pursue my master's degree in Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology at one of London's prestigious universities, Queen Mary University of London. This scholarship covers travel, Visa, insurance, tuition fees, and provides a stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses in London, amounting to approximately £40,000 (minimum) altogether.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from a reputed university in my country, achieving an overall cumulative GPA of 3.65 out of 4. My bachelor's provided me with a solid foundation in the biology of living organisms and equipped me with essential laboratory skills and academic writing experience. My final year thesis, which I had to pivot towards a completely new computational field due to COVID-19 constraints, motivated me to push beyond my limitations and pursue greater interests. Ultimately, it guided me to study and understand the deadliest diseases and their progression, which often led to a shortened lifespan for individuals. These elements, including the setbacks, prepared me well for the challenges of pursuing postgraduate studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queen Mary University of London?

Fortunately, my quest took shape when I heard about the scholarship offered by the British Council for women who are passionate about or actively working in STEM fields. Encouraged by my friend, I decided to take the leap and apply for the scholarship. When I checked the scholarship website, I found a myriad of subjects from various universities across the United Kingdom that were eligible to apply that year.

The first step for the scholarship was to get acceptance from a university. Therefore, the requirements depended on the chosen university, which included an English language test (IELTS). As I prepared for the entire application process, my first goal was to ace my English language test. I dedicated one month to self-study, watching various tutorials on YouTube and practicing materials available on the web, mainly Cambridge materials for IELTS preparation and the British Council website. I took timed tests and also frequently practiced speaking with my friends and family; at one point, they even became a bit annoyed with me constantly trying to converse with them. I gathered all the necessary documents, including my CV, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recommendation letters, to apply to the university. Fortunately, I was accepted! However, my next big challenge was not only to apply for the British Council scholarship but also to secure one, as I was so close to achieving my dream of attending the university.

I took my time with the scholarship application since the submission deadline was in the last week of April, and I received my acceptance in March. I carefully answered all the questions, being honest and reflecting on how significant the scholarship would be in helping me maintain my passion and navigate my career on a broader level.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

One of the key reasons I was able to stand out among thousands of brilliant applicants was my honesty and my passion for the subject I was applying for. When applying for any scholarship, it is essential to understand the aims and objectives of the scholarship and to tailor the documents accordingly, which will definitely reflect one’s sincerity and commitment to the program.

Another aspect I focused on in my application was how this scholarship represents an opportunity for me to study abroad and how it will help advance my career. A crucial point I highlighted was my honesty about the challenges I have faced as a woman in my field, and my never-giving-up attitude in the face of resistance created by gender barriers. Additionally, I expressed my strong desire to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams and my ongoing commitment to empowering women.

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

I don’t think I would do anything that differently if I were going through the process again. The approach I took was filled with sincerity and careful inspection of every step in the process. However, I believe that each approach should be different over time, as everyone needs to adapt to change, which is inevitable. One thing I would consider this time is applying to more than one university, as I was too hesitant to do so during my first attempt. I would also seek out people who are currently studying the subject at the universities I am interested in and learn from their experiences. This would help me gain more clarity about the path that could be most beneficial for my future career directions.

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

Don’t hesitate and start the process of applying for the scholarship. There may be a million reasons that make you think twice, but it’s essential to take the first step and gradually refine your application into something outstanding.

Most importantly, conduct thorough research. Understand the core objectives of the scholarship and try to incorporate that information into your application. Furthermore, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help if you find yourself stuck. The good news is that there are many people willing to assist you on this journey.