How Nigerian Pharmacist Won the Fully Funded Government of Ireland Scholarship to Study Public Health at University College Cork

My name is Vivian, and I’m originally from Nigeria. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. Having worked as a pharmacist for years and with a lot of on-the-ground experience in patient care and medication management, I became increasingly interested in the broader health system and how policies and strategies shape outcomes at the population level. This curiosity led me into health management consulting, where I was involved in projects focused on health implementation and strategic planning. Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health felt like the natural next step to gain a deeper understanding of health systems strengthening, health policies, and evidence-based decision-making.

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) to pursue my Master’s in Public Health at University College Cork (UCC). It was a fully funded scholarship, covering the full cost of tuition and providing a stipend to support living expenses throughout the academic year.

Interestingly, I had two strong scholarship applications that made it to the final stage of selection. One was for a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Business Management at Griffith College, and the other was for the MPH program at UCC. I was delighted to be awarded the scholarship for my first-choice course, the MPH at UCC, which aligned most closely with my professional goals.

Educational Background

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from Delta State University, where I graduated with First Class Honours, earning a CGPA of 4.75/5.0. I was one of the top students in my class and graduated as the best female student. My background in pharmacy laid a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, all of which are essential in understanding how health interventions work at both individual and population levels.

Throughout my bachelor’s degree, I was passionate about community and population interventions. I organised and contributed to various health outreach projects, some of which were aimed at promoting responsible drug use and encouraging health-seeking behaviours in underserved communities. I also took on leadership roles, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of The Capsule Magazine, an annual publication of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and as the Welfare Director of the Pharmacy Students' Association.

After graduation, I worked as a hospital pharmacist for a year before transitioning to community practice, where I practised for three years. The rigorous coursework and research components of my degree, coupled with my excellent academic performance, sharpened my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. These attributes became even more valuable when I transitioned into health consulting. This solid academic and professional background gave me the confidence and capability to pursue advanced studies in public health and contributed to the strength of my application for the GOI-IES scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University College Cork and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship?

I started researching schools and programs that aligned with my professional goals after pharmacy school. In 2019, I applied for the Commonwealth Scholarship but was not successful. That didn’t deter me, but instead, motivated me to continue building my profile. I engaged in various professional development, including attending workshops, conferences, collaborating on publications, and working in both community and hospital pharmacy roles.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the application process was stalled. I used that downtime to reflect and re-strategize. By 2021, I resumed my applications again, this time, more experienced and with a broader perspective. I began by looking into universities with strong public health departments and a focus on health systems strengthening. I explored official university websites, scholarship portals, and forums where past applicants shared their experiences. I also created a detailed Excel sheet where I tracked each program I was interested in, including the course name, eligibility criteria, required documents, application links, and deadlines. I gathered all my academic transcripts, certificates, and recommendation letters well ahead of time to ensure a smooth application process. Connecting with alumni and current students on LinkedIn and other platforms also gave me valuable insights into each program.

In 2022, I learned about the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) through a colleague. I took time to carefully review the scholarship call, eligibility requirements, and what the selection committee was looking for. Since most Irish universities don’t require standardized tests like the GRE for public health programs, I focused instead on preparing a strong personal statement, refining my CV, and securing impactful recommendation letters. The GOI-IES scholarship had its own unique process, which required essays on three key topics. I dedicated time to crafting thoughtful and compelling responses that highlighted my academic background, professional experience, community involvement, and long-term goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of hard work, dedication, authenticity, and alignment with the scholarship’s goals. I had a clear academic and professional trajectory, from studying Pharmacy and working as a pharmacist, to transitioning into health management consulting, and then deciding to pursue a Master’s in Public Health. I articulated this journey in a way that showed growth, purpose, and how each step built towards a bigger vision.

My essays were honest and reflective of my journey. I didn’t just list my achievements; I also shared my failures, what I had learned from my experiences, and how I hoped to use my education to create a meaningful impact in both the Irish and Nigerian health systems. I also emphasized my commitment to giving back to Ireland through evidence-based practice and community-driven solutions. In addition, I took time to polish every part of the application. The essays were strong and compelling, and I ensured my referees were people who had worked closely with me and could speak clearly about my strengths and potential.

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

To be honest, I was very strategic in my application, mainly because it wasn’t my first time applying for a scholarship. Over the years, I had learned valuable lessons from previous attempts, and I applied all those strategies during the GOI-IES process. I knew how to present a cohesive story, tailor my documents, and emphasize alignment between my goals and the scholarship’s values.

That said, if I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier, gathering my documents, drafting my essays, and reaching out to referees. While everything eventually came together, there were moments of stress, from balancing full-time work with scholarship applications, which could have been avoided with more lead time. I also would have applied to more programs and scholarships simultaneously, rather than limiting myself to just a few. Casting a wider net would have increased my options and reduced the pressure of putting all my hopes on one or two applications.

Lastly, I would have invested more time in building relationships with mentors, past recipients, and fellow scholarship applicants earlier in the process. Speaking to people who had successfully gone through similar journeys helped boost my confidence a lot. With those still on the journey, I drew strength from their perseverance and the reminder that I was not alone. If I had done that earlier, it would have given me clearer direction and boosted my confidence.

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

Believe in yourself and be authentic. Your story, your journey, and your perspective are your superpowers. In a time where AI-generated content is becoming more common, let your unique voice shine through your application. The selection committees can often sense when something is genuine.

Start early and give yourself enough time to gather the needed documents, reach out to your referees and mentors, in order to put your best foot forward. Don’t rush the process, and above all, avoid plagiarism. It’s tempting to borrow wording from sample essays, but staying true to your own voice will always resonate more. Join accountability groups. The more people you have on your journey, the more information, support, and motivation you’ll receive. Sometimes all you need is someone else’s progress to inspire your next step.

And finally, pay it forward. When you become successful (it’s only a matter of time), share your lessons and help guide those coming after you. There’s room for all of us to thrive, and your story could be the light someone else needs.