University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Recipient, Ronke from Nigeria, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Law in the United Kingdom

My name is Ronke, I am from Nigeria, and I got an international scholarship at 16 to study Law. I chose to study Law because of its capacity to change the trajectory of a country/economy, and I want to change the trajectory of Nigeria.

University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received is called the University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship. It is worth 50% of my tuition fees annually (so about £10,000 at the time)

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

£10,000 scholarship from the University of Dundee (I won a mooting competition).

Educational Background

I did a University Foundation Programme (A-Level Equivalent) with Bridge House College (Lagos). I did Sociology (A), Psychology (A), Law (A), Communication Skills (A), and ICT (A).  I got the highest marks in all the subjects, and I was the Best Graduating Student. I received a 20% scholarship to attend Bridge House College as well.

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

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of Sheffield?

I made a list of all the universities in the UK and went through their websites to see the scholarships available to me (I applied to 21 universities)

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

No

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship?

Started long before BHC. Made sure I did many extra-curricular activities in secondary school. Was a prefect, made and headed clubs, did virtual work experience on Forage with UK firms, and secured in-person work experience as well. Was also a founding member of a sustainability initiative which orgainised clean ups in Lagos.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Sheffield?

Was good. Starting at 16 brings its own difficulties, but the university had good support. I had a therapist-type person with whom I had weekly meetings for the first year to make sure that I was okay.

How Do You Rate the University of Sheffield Academically and Why?

Good. Its Russell group, and that was a big deal for me.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My academics and the experience that I sought out. Also, a strong why, I linked my course back to a greater cause. Also, a good understanding of Sheffield’s USP (you have free rein over your course selection from the second year). And a clear linking as to why this would benefit me and help me achieve my goals.

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

Nothing different. I’ve helped four people get the same scholarship using the same method. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

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

Your why needs to have an external purpose. You are not going to get a scholarship because you are ‘interested’ in the subject area. Studying this course at this university should have a positive effect on other people outside of yourself. You are essentially telling the university to invest in you because by so doing, they would be investing in a better world. Apply this mindset to any scholarship essay you write.