Hi, I’m Giang Chu, a current MSc student in Sustainable Business Management at the University of Exeter. Today, I’m excited to share my journey of applying for and receiving the Vietnam Global Excellence Scholarship and the Global Excellence Scholarship, which together provided financial support of £10,500. As a prospective student, I know firsthand how daunting the cost of university can be, especially if you’re considering studying abroad. But trust me, the University of Exeter offers a range of financial support options, and I hope my experience will inspire you to explore scholarships and bursaries available here.
Why I Applied for a Scholarship
Like many students, my decision to apply for a scholarship stemmed from the practical need to reduce the financial burden of tuition and living expenses. Coming from Vietnam, I knew that studying abroad would require significant financial planning, and I wanted to ensure that I could focus on my academic journey without the constant worry of finances.
Moreover, I’ve always been passionate about making a real impact in sustainable development in my home country, Vietnam. When I found out about the University of Exeter’s Global Excellence Scholarship and Vietnam Global Excellence Scholarship, I knew they were the perfect opportunities to support my goal of becoming a tourism policymaker, driving positive change in underdeveloped regions. These scholarships not only provided vital financial relief for me but also recognised my achievements and potential. I saw them as a gateway to pursue my dream of advancing Vietnam’s regional development through sustainable tourism practices, enabling me to contribute to social impact projects, such as educating children in rural, mountainous areas who have limited access to education, during volunteer trips that reinforced my commitment to sustainable development.
How I Researched Scholarships
The search for scholarships might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s an essential step in planning your higher education journey. When I began my research, I started by browsing through the University of Exeter’s scholarship portal, which has lots of information on various scholarships available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The detailed descriptions of eligibility, application deadlines, and award amounts were extremely helpful.
I also spoke with current students and alumni who had successfully applied for scholarships. This provided me with valuable insights into the application process and encouraged me to stay determined, even when it felt challenging. It’s important to start your research early and take the time to understand which scholarships best align with your academic goals, background, and financial needs.
The Application Process
Receiving the Vietnam Global Excellence Scholarship and the Global Excellence Scholarship has truly transformed my experience at the University of Exeter. First and foremost, the financial relief has allowed me to focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in campus life without worrying about my financial situation.
The scholarships have also given me the confidence and motivation to engage in research opportunities that align with my passion for sustainable tourism. For instance, I’m currently working on a sustainability project with the Eden Project, focusing on educational and community engagement, which ties back to my long-term goal of fostering regional development through tourism back in Vietnam.
Being at the University of Exeter has been an incredibly enriching experience. I’ve been able to connect with like-minded students and professors who share my commitment to sustainability. The diversity on campus, especially at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, has given me a broader perspective on global sustainability challenges and solutions. The environment here encourages open dialogue and collaboration, which has been crucial for my personal and professional growth.
Tips for Prospective Students
- Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can vary, and some of the most competitive scholarships have early cut-off dates. Begin your research well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities. Set aside time to explore the different funding options available on the University of Exeter’s scholarship pages and keep an eye out for any deadlines. By starting early, you give yourself plenty of time to gather all the necessary documents, write a thoughtful personal statement, and even revise your application before submitting it. Remember, a well-prepared application can make a huge difference in your chances of success.
- Tailor Your Application: Each scholarship has its own set of criteria, so make sure you tailor your personal statement and supporting documents to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for that specific award. Focus on your academic achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you make a positive impact both at the University and in your future career. Be specific! Don’t hesitate to highlight your unique qualities and what makes you stand out from other applicants.
- Reach Out for Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s from current students, professors, or the University’s admissions office, there are plenty of people who can guide you through the application process. I personally found it helpful to speak with other scholarship recipients and alumni to gain insights into what made their applications successful. Additionally, the University of Exeter’s student services team is an excellent resource for financial support and advice. They can help you navigate the different options and even provide guidance on budgeting and managing your finances during your studies. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and the University is there to support you throughout your journey.
- Be Honest and Authentic: Scholarship committees want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your personal story and explain why you need financial support. In my case, I shared my passion for sustainable tourism and my desire to contribute to Vietnam’s regional development, which reflected my authenticity and commitment. When you are honest about your background and motivations, it helps the committee understand your financial situation and the impact the scholarship will have on your academic and personal journey. Avoid writing what you think they want to hear – be genuine, and let your passion and commitment shine through.
- Consider Different Types of Support: Scholarships aren’t the only form of financial assistance available. In addition to scholarships, the University of Exeter offers various bursaries and grants that can help with living costs. For example, while scholarships may be merit-based or awarded for specific areas of study, bursaries are typically need-based and are awarded to students who meet certain criteria. Be sure to also explore the University’s Cost of Living support page for more information on the financial support Exeter provides for students. There are also external funding opportunities from governments, organisations, and charities, so cast a wide net when searching for financial aid. Combining multiple sources of financial support can significantly ease the burden of tuition and living expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies.
- Stay Organised: As you begin your scholarship search, keep a record of all the scholarships you’re interested in, including their application deadlines, required documents, and submission instructions. Create a checklist to track your progress and ensure you’ve completed all parts of the application before submitting it. Staying organised will help you avoid last-minute stress and make sure you meet all the requirements for each scholarship. It can also help you spot overlapping requirements between scholarships, so you can reuse parts of your application, such as your personal statement, with minor adjustments.
- Be Persistent: Lastly, don’t get discouraged if you aren’t successful on your first try. Many students apply for multiple scholarships before receiving one, so persistence is key. If one scholarship doesn’t work out, learn from the experience, refine your application, and keep applying. There are often several rounds of funding throughout the academic year, so keep an eye out for new opportunities that may arise. Stay determined and trust that your hard work will pay off.
Looking Forward
My journey at the University of Exeter has been filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities, and much of that has been made possible by the financial support I received through these scholarships. For any prospective students reading this, I hope my story encourages you to explore the scholarships and funding options available to you. Remember, financial support is out there – you just need to take that first step and apply.
Being part of the University of Exeter community has opened up so many doors for me, and I’m excited for what the future holds.