British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM Scholar Vilashini Saravanan from Malaysia Shares Her Journey of Studying Digital Health at the University of Bristol, UK

My name is Vilashini Saravanan (Vila), and I am from Malaysia. I pursued my Bachelor of Pharmacy at the International Medical University on a full scholarship. From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by medicines, how drugs work, how they interact within the body, and how they form one of the fundamental pillars of modern healthcare. That curiosity naturally led me to pharmacy, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and medication management.

After graduating, I practiced as a hospital pharmacist at Sunway Medical Centre for two years. During this time, I was actively involved in clinical interventions, medication safety, and patient-centered care. I later transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where I gained exposure to a broader healthcare ecosystem beyond hospital settings. It was during this period that I began seriously considering further education.

Throughout my university years and professional experience, I have always been particularly passionate about women’s health. At the same time, I witnessed the rapid rise of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in transforming industries, including healthcare. I realised that to meaningfully contribute to the future of healthcare, especially in women’s health, I needed to position myself at the intersection of health and technology.

This led me to pursue an MSc in Digital Health at the University of Bristol, where I could integrate my clinical background with emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics. My goal has always been to leverage innovation to create more accessible, personalised, and impactful healthcare solutions.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM Scholarship Details

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

Awarding Institution: University of Bristol

Programme: Digital Health (MSc)

Scholarship Coverage:

Full tuition fees for the MSc Digital Health programme

Monthly stipend of £1,347 for up to 12 months (to cover living costs, including accommodation)

IELTS exam fee (if applicable)

Return economy-class travel from home country to the UK

Study-related costs (essential travel, materials, equipment, thesis printing)

Visa fees and NHS surcharge/insurance costs

Educational Background

SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) comparable to the GCSE/O-Level: 9A+, 1A

AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation): 99 ATAR

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons), International Medical University: cGPA 3.80

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

When preparing to apply to institutions, I was initially in full preparation mode for the Chevening Scholarship. I was actively researching opportunities and engaging in a Malaysian Chevening support WhatsApp group when someone casually shared information about the British Council Women in STEM scholarship. That was how I first discovered the opportunity. After I was awarded the scholarship, I personally reached out to the individual, whom I had never met before, to thank them for sharing it. That experience deeply impacted me and is one of the reasons I am now very passionate about sharing scholarship opportunities with others, as I understand how life-changing access to the right information can be.

In terms of standardized tests, I took the IELTS examination to ensure I was fully prepared for international applications. However, it was ultimately not required by the University of Bristol because my undergraduate degree was completed in English.

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

When preparing to apply for the scholarship, the first thing I did was connect with past scholars and join as many relevant groups as possible. Speaking to previous recipients gave me firsthand advice on how to structure my application, what the selection panel looks for, and common mistakes to avoid. Being in these communities also helped me stay updated on timelines and important requirements.

I made sure to clearly identify everything needed for the application early on, such as recommendation letters, official transcripts, English proficiency test results, and supporting documents. Preparing these in advance helped reduce last-minute stress and allowed me to focus on strengthening the quality of my personal statements and overall application.

How Was Your Experience at the University of Bristol?

My experience at the University of Bristol was transformative. The MSc Digital Health programme was intellectually challenging and highly interdisciplinary, blending healthcare, AI, data analytics, and responsible innovation. It pushed me beyond my clinical background and helped me grow both technically and strategically.

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

Academically, I would rate it very highly. The university emphasises critical thinking, research rigour, and real-world application. The exposure to AI, data science, and digital health systems was particularly strong and forward-looking.

How Does the University of Bristol Support International Students?

There was strong support through the International Office, scholarship teams, and structured programmes like Think Big. The university also has a dedicated student hub where international students can seek academic guidance, well-being support, and administrative assistance in one central place. Beyond institutional support, Bristol itself is a very vibrant and diverse city, which made it easy to feel welcomed and integrated into a global community.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

After graduating, I focused on working at the intersection of women’s health and digital health innovation, aiming to integrate AI-driven solutions into healthcare and expand impact in Southeast Asia. I am currently the Digital Health & Program Lead for Menopause Asia.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I had a clear and cohesive narrative. My transition from pharmacist to digital health innovator was intentional, and I articulated a strong mission, advancing women’s health through technology. My story was not just aspirational; it was backed by real experience, concrete achievements, and a well-defined long-term vision. I was specific about my goals and impact. Being vague will never set you apart. Clarity, authenticity, and direction are what truly make an application compelling.

What Advice Would You Give Those Applying for a Similar Scholarship?

Be very clear about your “why.” Show impact, not just achievements. Connect your past experiences to your future goals in a coherent story