How an Iranian Student Secured the Economics Excellence Scholarship for a Master's in Economics and International Financial Economics at the University of Warwick

My name is Sadaf Jahangiri-Pour, and I am proud of the unique journey that has shaped who I am today. Born in Iran, I moved to Northern Cyprus at the age of 12, where I spent nearly a decade navigating a new culture and discovering my passion for economics. My undergraduate studies in Economics at Eastern Mediterranean University deepened my curiosity about how national and global economy, alongside the financial systems, can influence and empower societies. Driven by a thirst for deeper understanding, I pursued a master's degree in Economics and International Financial Economics at the University of Warwick. This journey was not just about academics, it was about challenging myself, adapting to new environments, and learning to see the world through a global perspective. My experiences have taught me resilience and have fueled my passion to contribute meaningfully to the world of finance and economics.

Economics Excellence Scholarship Details

I have been fortunate to receive significant recognition for my academic achievements throughout my educational journey. For my postgraduate studies at the University of Warwick, I was awarded the prestigious Economics Excellence Scholarship, which covered 100% of my tuition fees. This remarkable opportunity, granted to only one student, allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my MSc in Economics and International Financial Economics, deepening my knowledge and refining my skills. Additionally, I was offered a place to study MSc Finance at the Department of Economics, Royal Holloway University of London, accompanied by a generous scholarship recognizing the contributions of Katayoon Behboodi from the Department of Mathematics, covering 50% of the tuition fees. This scholarship, also awarded to just one student, affirmed my academic potential. Although I chose not to attend this program, the recognition reinforced my commitment to pursuing excellence in economics and finance.

Educational Background

My educational journey has been both rigorous and rewarding, providing a strong foundation for my aspirations in economics and finance. I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics (BSc) at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) in just three years instead of the standard four, graduating with the highest GPA of 3.99 out of 4.00 in the entire Business and Economics Department. This achievement earned me the prestigious Certificate of Dean’s High Honour in Economics, a recognition of my dedication and academic excellence. These experiences not only honed my technical abilities in data analysis and problem-solving but also instilled in me a global lens and strategic mindset, both of which are essential for succeeding in the dynamic fields of economics and finance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Warwick and Other Institutions?

I took a highly focused and strategic approach to preparing for my postgraduate applications. I decided early on to dedicate my efforts solely to applying for two institutions: the University of Warwick and Royal Holloway, University of London. My preparation began a year before completing my undergraduate degree at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), ensuring I had sufficient time to craft strong applications while managing my undergraduate coursework. To gather information, I extensively researched the programs offered by both institutions, focusing on their curriculum, faculty, and reputation in the field of economics and finance. I utilized official university websites and reached out to alumni whenever possible to gain insights into the academic and professional opportunities each program provided. Balancing this preparation with my undergraduate studies required discipline and effective time management, but my dedication paid off. Both institutions offered me admission and recognized my potential. This focused effort reaffirmed the importance of planning and commitment in achieving my academic and career goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Economics Excellence Scholarship?

Preparing to apply for scholarships requires careful planning and a proactive approach. I started my preparation well in advance, alongside my applications for postgraduate programs. For the Economics Excellence Scholarship at Warwick, I focused on highlighting my academic achievements, including my exceptional GPA at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), where I was the top student in the Business and Economics Department. To make my application stand out, I emphasized my dedication to academic excellence, my passion for economics, and the practical impact I hoped to achieve in the field. I tailored my personal statements to align with the scholarship's values, ensuring they reflected my aspirations and the ways the scholarship would enable me to reach my goals. Furthermore, I ensured that my supporting documents, such as academic transcripts and recommendation letters, showcased my accomplishments and potential. I sought guidance from my professors and peers to refine my application and present myself as a strong candidate. My diligent preparation ultimately paid off when I was awarded the prestigious Economics Excellence Scholarship, which covered 100% of my tuition fees for my MSc at Warwick.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out due to my unique life story and the diverse and advanced courses I undertook during my undergraduate studies at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU). Having lived in multiple countries, including Iran and Northern Cyprus, as well as having studied in three different languages, I developed a diverse perspective that enriched my academic and personal experiences. This multicultural background allowed me to bring a unique approach to economic issues and demonstrate adaptability in challenging, dynamic environments. In addition, academically, I pursued a challenging curriculum, including courses like 'International Economics,' 'Mathematical Economics,' 'Gender and Development,' and 'Economics of Natural Resources,' alongside specialized finance modules such as 'Money and Banking,' 'E-Finance,' and 'Financial Management.' My consistent academic excellence, reflected in my near-perfect CGPA of 3.99 and multiple 'High Honour' statuses, further emphasized my dedication and ability to excel in demanding academic settings. The combination of my distinctive personal journey and my commitment to academic rigor made my application compelling and demonstrated my preparedness to succeed in postgraduate studies and beyond.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would prioritize reaching out to current students of the programs to gain deeper insights into the institution's culture and the specifics of the course offerings. Connecting with students would provide a better understanding of the day-to-day experience, the teaching style, and the practical application of the course material. Their perspectives could offer valuable information about the program's structure that might not be readily available through official channels, helping me be more prepared for my postgraduate journey.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship is to definitely apply, you will get it! Don’t hesitate to seize the opportunity, scholarships like these can unlock incredible educational experiences and set the stage for a successful future. Believe in yourself and your achievements, and take the time to showcase your unique strengths and experiences in your application. Keep your focus, put effort into every detail, and trust that your potential is recognized. Remember, scholarships aren’t just about meeting requirements, they are also about demonstrating your passion, dedication, and commitment to your field. You have what it takes, go for it! If you have any questions or need guidance along the way, I’m open to answering them. Feel free to reach out!

Sadaf.