Bangladeshi Lecturer and Research Officer Awarded British Council GREAT Scholarship to Study at University of East Anglia

My name is Syeda Sajia Afroz Rumpa, and I am from Bangladesh. I was a Lecturer at the University of Skill Enrichment and Technology (USET), and prior to that, I worked as a Research Officer at Devresonance Ltd. My academic and professional journey has always been rooted in research and education, which inspired me to pursue further studies in economics to deepen my expertise and broaden my impact.

Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious British Council's GREAT Scholarship to pursue my studies at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The award is valued at £10,000, which significantly supported my academic journey in the UK.

Educational Background

I hold a Master in Economics (Environmental Economics) with a CGPA of 3.85/4.00 from the University of Dhaka. Prior to that, I completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics with a CGPA of 3.44/4.00 from the Jagannath University, which laid the foundation for my academic interest and later achievements. Together, these degrees prepared me well for advanced study and scholarship applications.

These academic achievements have given me a strong foundation in economic theory, research, and policy analysis — all of which were vital when applying for my chosen program and scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Institutions?

I gathered information from university websites, official scholarship pages, and alumni stories. I prepared for and obtained an IELTS score, which played an important role in securing admission to UEA.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for GREAT Scholarships?

I studied profiles of previous scholarship recipients and learned from their application strategies. I then created my own story, highlighting my academic achievements, work experience, and future goals, to present a compelling and authentic application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to its consistency and clarity. I made sure all elements — from my academic background to my career goals — were well-connected. I also submitted a video as part of my application, which helped bring my story to life.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start my preparation earlier, especially the scholarship essay and video submission, to allow more time for feedback and refinement.

What Advice Would You Give to Others Applying for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice is: connect the dots. Show how your past experience, current position, and future goals align. Be authentic, and make sure your passion for your field comes through clearly in your application.