How an Iranian Scholar Secured the Vice Chancellor's International Partial Scholarship for a Second PhD in Education at the University of Bath

My name is Sara Yadollahi. I’m pursuing my second PhD in Education at the University of Bath. I’m from Iran, where I was a research faculty member at an educational institution. That was the main reason I decided to start a program in the field of education. In other words, my educational background was in psychology, primarily using quantitative methods, but my current field of study is education, with a main focus on inequalities and social justice using qualitative methodological techniques.

Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship from the University of Bath, which is a partial scholarship covering half of the tuition fees for 3.5 years.

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology and my master's and PhD degrees in Psychometrics. I ranked first in the Iranian National University Entrance Exam for the master’s degree and third in the exam for the PhD.

After graduation, I worked as a researcher and psychometrician for five years. Following that, I was hired as a research faculty member at the Organization for Educational Research and Planning, from which I am currently on unpaid leave..

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

My IELTS Academic overall score is 8 (Listening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 7, Speaking: 7.5). I was very eager to work in the area I’m currently focused on, gender inequality. So, I began writing a proposal and reaching out to potential supervisors. After an interview with my two current supervisors, I was offered an acceptance letter.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship?

I was informed about the scholarship by my supervisor, who endorsed me and asked me to provide the necessary supporting documents. I should mention that, in addition to being hired as a research faculty member at a governmental research institute, I had already built a strong academic record due to my work history. This included a substantial number of publications, conference presentations, and collaborations with various universities, for example, serving as principal investigator and co-investigator on research projects, teaching experience, and supervising Master’s students’ dissertations. I therefore prepared a document containing evidence of my academic excellence, including abstracts of my papers, contracts with universities, and other relevant materials.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Bath? 

I absolutely enjoy my stay in Bath. Both the city and the university are fascinating, with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

How Do You Rate the Institution Academically and Why?

9/10

Pros: Friendly and helpful staff; plenty of quiet spaces for reading and writing; active research groups that support networking and collaboration; excellent library resources with responsive staff ready to provide the materials you need; a supportive environment for international students; available funding for conference attendance and mobility; and beautiful scenery, including a magnificent pond!

Cons: Occasional bureaucratic hurdles that can increase paperwork time; professors can be quite busy at times.

How Does the Institution Support International Students? 

The staff are friendly, highly cooperative, and responsive (which is quite rare!). In particular, they are very supportive of international students. There are also research groups, as well as numerous workshops and online courses available for those who want to develop both their research and life skills.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country’s Native Language? 

As far as I’m concerned, PhDs in the UK normally don’t include classes per se. However, doctoral development resources are all in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I’m not a typical PhD student. Unlike many others, I’ve been through this path once before. However, this time I’m experiencing it from a different perspective!

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

Well, I could have applied for the SWDTP studentship funding if I had planned to start my PhD in the following academic year. I guess I wasn’t patient enough!

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

There is a lot of funding support available for students, either before or after starting their program. However, everyone’s circumstances are unique, and it's important to assess your options carefully. Always be ready to seize new opportunities—failures are a part of life. So, take action, even if you think it might lead nowhere. Nothing comes from doing nothing. Sometimes, when you least expect it, someone might offer you exactly what you were looking for—just like what happened to me.