M.Sc. Environmental Engineering Student Ritu from India Shares Her Journey of Studying at Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Hi, I’m Ritu from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Professionally, I pivoted my career from IT tech to research in environmental sustainability, trading the intricacies of algorithms for ecosystems.

I hold a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering, following which I worked as a Systems Engineer at Infosys Ltd. I discovered my passion for environmental sustainability through the organization’s sustainability initiatives—it showed me how integrating technology into environmental resources can optimize efficiency and reduce negative impacts. To support this career shift and follow my passion, I pursued a Master’s in Environmental Engineering at Newcastle University to fine-tune my engineering skills for the built environment.

British Council Women in STEM Scholarship Details

I received the prestigious British Council Women in STEM Scholarship for my Master’s in Environmental Engineering at Newcastle University. This fully funded programme covers tuition fees, a living stipend, travel, visa costs, health coverage, and English language support, with each award worth at least £40,000, to empower women in STEM fields.

I was one among 5 students to receive this scholarship from Newcastle University for that academic year.

Educational Background

My educational foundation is a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering (B.E.) from India, where I graduated with a 72.5% GPA. This program equipped me with essential STEM skills, both technical expertise and important soft skills like collaboration, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication, developed through coursework and group projects.

These competencies prepared me for the Environmental Engineering degree at Newcastle by enabling me to navigate the curriculum with a strong engineering mindset.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Newcastle University?

How Did You Find Information About British Council Women in STEM Scholarships and Newcastle University?

My intention with my Master’s degree was to change careers and gain foundational expertise in the environmental sector. I created an Excel sheet compiling universities worldwide with strong Environmental Engineering programs, detailing the full cost structure, tuition, living expenses, travel, visa, all of it. Money is important - I treated it like an investment!

I connected with alumni, current students on LinkedIn, and professors from the department’s website to gauge university life, career prospects, and whether the programs/modules aligned with my goals, ultimately evaluating which university and programme offered the strongest ROI.

For the scholarship, I learned about it directly from Newcastle University by email; they flagged my eligibility and encouraged me to apply. I was part of the second cohort for the British Council Women in STEM award.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the IELTS test to meet English language requirements. I prepared using official IELTS preparation materials from their website and dedicated English practice books.
All my schooling and prior education were conducted in English, which I believe gave me a significant advantage.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?

A major component of my scholarship application was the essay, so I started working on it well in advance. It took multiple iterations before I submitted the final version. I wrote my essay before AI tools were widely available, so I sought feedback from peers and friends on the content, grammar, structure, and overall flow; an outsider’s perspective truly helped refine it.

How is (was) Your Experience at Newcastle University?

Newcastle University and the UK have been transformative for me, both professionally and personally. The faculty at the School of Engineering provided invaluable guidance in navigating my career shift. The university's support is something I truly cherish. Newcastle itself is a student-friendly city, adding another strong factor to the experience.

How Do You Rate Newcastle University Academically and Why?

I’d rate Newcastle University very highly on any scale, particularly the School of Engineering. They are exceptionally resourceful and supportive, especially towards international students. They truly foster an encouraging atmosphere for research, learning, knowledge-sharing, and career development. They have exceptionally blended academic rigor with personalized guidance.

How Does Newcastle University Support International Students?

Newcastle University provides strong support for international students, extending beyond academics to cultural integration. They offer dedicated sessions and resources to help bridge differences in academic culture, ensuring a smoother transition.
The faculty members were remarkably accommodating, patiently helping me navigate even minor academic or cultural challenges.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? (Work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?)

The university's vibrant research culture piqued my interest in research, so I decided to pursue a career in the research domain. I now work as an Associate Fellow at TERI under the Director General's office, a leading research institute focused on energy, environment, and sustainable development.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I was able to showcase strengths from my transcripts and background with concrete examples in my essay. I clearly linked my STEM background, engineering experience, and sustainability aspirations to the scholarship's selection criteria, backed by specific past achievements and executable details to achieve my future goals.

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

I’m not sure. I haven’t really thought about this.

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

Scholarships represent a substantial investment by the selection team, so aim to give them a compelling reason to choose you. I approached my application as a direct pitch to the British Council, clearly explaining why I was the deserving candidate, and I recommend prospective applicants do the same!

Reviewers on the scholarship team evaluate hundreds of applications, so put yourself in their shoes. Very strategically and explicitly connect your profile to every selection criterion, backing claims with measurable achievements and clear, actionable plans that demonstrate how you'll meet/advance the scholarship's mission.