PhD Business and Management Student Yumna Arif from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Studying at Warwick Business School, United Kingdom

Hello! My name is Yumna Arif, and I am from Pakistan. I hold a PhD in Business and Management from Warwick Business School, where my research focuses on class, gender, and workplace inequality. My journey in pursuing workplace equality began earlier, through initiatives and projects in my home country aimed at empowering women and promoting decent work. This consistent focus on gender equity and equal opportunities, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8, led me to earn the Commonwealth Scholarship for my Master’s degree in Edinburgh.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

The scholarship covered tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa costs.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor's in Engineering in Pakistan with a CGPA 3.94 and 2 gold medals. My undergraduate work also involved initiatives that addressed gender disparities in education and leadership, demonstrating my commitment to gender-focused development projects.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Heriot-Watt University?

I researched the Commonwealth Scholarship thoroughly, connecting with alumni and mentors who had experience with UK scholarships. I emphasised my SDG 5- and 8-aligned projects and leadership initiatives in Pakistan to show a clear link between my past work, future ambitions, and the scholarship’s objectives. For English proficiency, I prepared for the IELTS through YouTube videos and online courses, achieving a score of 8.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The strong alignment of my academic goals with practical initiatives in gender equality and equal opportunities, and my clear vision for continuing this work at the master’s level, helped my application stand out. I demonstrated both a scholarly and actionable commitment to SDG 5 and 8, showing how my research and practical experience could create impact.

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

Identify the global or social challenge that truly drives you and show how your past work, academic strengths, and leadership align with that mission. Tailor your application to reflect impact, scholarship, vision, and leverage guidance from mentors and past awardees. Persistence is key; keep refining your narrative until it clearly connects your passions with the scholarship’s objectives.