QS MoveON Stand Out Scholarship: 2020 2nd Winner

I hope that completion of my undergraduate degree will allow me to pursue postgraduate study in archaeology. The flexibility of course choice in Oslo has enabled me to explore this path more seriously and given me some academic experience that will help me make the wee jump across fields after graduation.

After the success of the past year studying abroad, I am prepared to consider far more options for what lies ahead, and it is very likely that this future study will also be overseas.

I also applied to a local children’s trust to help fund my year in Oslo. I found the QS scholarship application process very straightforward and I enjoyed the chance to pick a ‘question’ to write on. There were moments during completion of the form that I doubted if I should apply at all – it seemed too competitive and unrealistic! I ended up writing about the fact I too often dismiss the feasibility of opportunities.

The financial security provided by the scholarship has been immeasurably valuable, particularly in the context of the upheaval and uncertainty caused by Brexit and COVID-19.

QS has been the support structure that has allowed me to properly immerse myself in the Erasmus+ program in a country with one of the highest costs of living globally. I have not had to take on employment, meaning I could dedicate my time to my studies, personal growth, and experiencing life in Norway unburdened by financial precarity as some of my peers have been.

The scholarship has meant I was able to challenge myself to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity I have met this year. Without it, I doubt I would have come out the other side as such a different person - I certainly would have had a very different, shorter year.

Apply! Success is not unrealistic, you have as much of a chance as anyone else. I would suggest that applicants be genuine and open about their weaknesses, it is there that they’ll feel the greatest benefit from scholarships.