GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/13/2025, 12:43:56 PM

*Here’s a quick overview of the UK 🇬🇧 Government’s latest immigration plan for May 2025:* 📌 Why the Change? With net migration hitting a record 906,000 in 2023 (up from 224,000 in 2019), the UK government says it’s time to regain control and build a fairer system. 📍 Key Issues The government argues that high migration has led to: ▪️ Housing shortages ▪️ Pressure on public services ▪️ Fewer training opportunities for local workers ▪️ Wage impacts in certain sectors ▪️ Challenges with community integration 📍 Who’s Moving In? ▪️ Many low-skilled workers, especially in care and hospitality ▪️ Increased numbers of dependants ▪️ Migrants staying longer due to flexible visa routes like the Graduate Visa ▪️ Growth in irregular migration (like small boat crossings) 📍 Major Policy Changes ✔️ Skilled worker visas will now require degree-level qualifications (RQF 6) ✔️ The immigration salary discount will be removed ✔️ Social care visa route will be phased out ✔️ Tighter rules on dependants and English requirements 📍 Graduate and Dependant Visa Limits ▪️ Dependant visas dropped sharply from 143,000 in 2023 to 22,000 in 2024 ▪️ Most dependants still don’t have to speak English, raising integration concerns 📍 Economic Impact Despite high migration, UK GDP per person has actually declined since 2022, leading the government to push for growth through better productivity, not just more people. 📌 What’s Next? ▪️ Tougher family reunion rules ▪️ Settlement and citizenship tied to long-term contributions ▪️ Stronger measures against illegal migration ▪️ Reforms to the asylum process The goal is to focus more on training local workers, boosting wages, and improving border security.

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/13/2025, 7:27:57 AM

UK 🇬🇧

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/14/2025, 7:04:38 PM

🎓🎓 Mastercard Foundation #Scholarship now in Nigeria 🇳🇬 Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) If you're a young Nigerian dreaming of a university education but worried about finances, this might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to launch the first-ever Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in #Nigeria. Over the next ten years, this initiative will fully fund 650 exceptional students, helping them unlock their potential and become future leaders. What the scholarship covers: ✅ 100% tuition ✅ Accommodation & living expenses ✅ Mentorship & leadership training ✅ Internship & career support Who should apply? ✔️ Young people with leadership potential ✔️ Students who demonstrate financial need ✔️ Young women interested in STEM ✔️ Internally displaced youth ✔️ Young people with disabilities ✔️ Anyone committed to giving back to their community Eligibility highlights: 📌 5 credits in O’Level including Math & English 📌 UTME score of 220+ 📥 Applications are currently open. If you know someone who qualifies, please share this with them — it could change their life. 🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://pau.edu.ng/mastercard-foundation#1736941182507-1dbb6be8-c8e9

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/14/2025, 9:54:12 AM

✅ VISA APPROVED (SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING) 📍Abuja Embassy 🗓️ 06/05/2025 🪟 Window 9 🎯 First Attempt 💰 COA: $68,000 🎓 Funding: Fully Funded 📉 Deficit: $0 📚 PhD. in Feminist Studies 🏫 University of California, Santa Barbara My interview lasted for about 10 minutes. INDEED, IT WAS GOD!!! I also want to sincerely appreciate my friend Ginika, who took it upon himself to constantly encourage me to prepare thoroughly for the interview. We organized mutual mock sessions for each other, and those sessions turned out to be incredibly helpful. His support meant a lot throughout this journey. I was scheduled for 8:45 am but arrived over two hours early. While waiting, I saw several applicants walk out with their passports, which is often a clear sign of rejection. Some looked visibly distraught. I got a little nervous, but I reminded myself: What will be, will be. 🎤 The Interview The VISA Officer was an elderly white lady, probably in her late 50s or early 60s. She denied almost everyone before me except one elderly man who was going to see his grandkids in the US. Denials were flying left, right, and centre. VO: Pass me your passport and paperwork. Me: Good morning ma’am, here they are. (with a polite smile) She scanned my passport and looked at my I-20, then got up and left without saying a word. While she was away, I silently prayed. About 5 minutes later, she returned. VO: Why Feminist Studies, and why UC Santa Barbara? Me: I’ve been engaged in feminist scholarship for some time, though, from a philosophical background. I realized I needed an interdisciplinary approach, hence the switch to Feminist Studies. Feminist philosophy is great, but it limits me to rational inquiry, whereas I really want to do fieldwork. UCSB stood out not only for its prestige, often ranked among the top 50 globally, but also because of its rigorous, policy-oriented feminist program. Plus, they gave me the most generous funding of all the schools I applied to. VO: That’s very interesting. How many schools did you apply to? Me: Four. VO: Were you accepted into all? Me: Yes, with funding. I had to weigh my options based on my criteria before choosing UCSB. VO: How did you get this fellowship? Me: It was very difficult, ma’am. After the paperwork, I went through three rigorous interviews with the department’s admissions committee to explain my project. I made it to the top 4 and was ultimately chosen as the top PhD. candidate for the year. As a result, I was nominated for the prestigious Chancellor’s Fellowship, which guarantees me a six-year full funding package covering all academic costs, health insurance, and housing (for the first two years). It also provides a generous fellowship stipend of $38,000 per year with no teaching or graduate assistantship obligations. The department also offers to take care of my relocation cost, which includes booking my flights and paying for all travel related expenses. VO: I See… So when was your last degree, and was it a Master’s or Bachelor’s? Me: 2018. It was a BA in Philosophy. VO: Why PhD and not Master’s? Me: I graduated as the all-time best student in my department with First Class honours. Since then, I’ve worked as a research coordinator at a Feminist Research Centre. Based on my academic strength, all schools felt I was ready for PhD. work. VO: Are you married? Me: No. VO: Do you plan to get married? Me: Of course! (laughs) But not during the PhD. It can be distracting, you know. Afterwards, yes, I would get married and start a family, I can’t wait. VO: You’re right. Marriage can be a source of distraction. I just wanted to be sure you’re not planning to file an F2. Me: No ma’am, I’m travelling alone. She began typing… it felt long and awkward. Me: Can I tell you about my research? VO: (reluctantly) Yes. My research focuses on domestic violence and femicide, I will be using ethnography to capture survivors’ lived experiences. I mentioned my preference for the term “survivors” over “victims,” and she paused typing, looked up, and started nodding. I added that my work lies at the intersection of history, politics, and law, aiming to identify the root causes of domestic violence and propose solutions. She kept nodding and smiling. I told her I planned to publish the work with my advisor at UCSB. VO: That’s an interesting research. Have you travelled out before? Me: Yes, to Uganda in 2019 for an academic conference. VO: What will you be doing when you finish your PhD? Me: I’m currently in academia, working as a research coordinator at a feminist research centre in my alma mater. Recently, this centre was cleared to become a full academic department, so when I return, I’ll be an invaluable addition to the faculty. I also plan to advance gender and social justice policy initiatives back home. I’ll be working with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs as an advocate for the girl child. More so, this PhD. makes economic sense as I’ll be earning nearly four times my current salary when I return. That’s more than enough to start and support a family. (She looked me in the eyes the entire time.) VO: Have you been to Gaza? Me: (laughing) No. VO: I’m approving your visa. She handed me an approval slip and added that I was being placed under Administrative Processing for background checks. She also gave me the 221g form, which stated that no further action was required on my part. Me: How long will that take? VO: Just a few days—it’s routine. Me: Thank you, ma’am. ✨ My Secret Sauce (What Worked for Me) I didn’t memorize answers. In fact, the responses in this transcript are not exactly how I worded them during the interview, and I probably can’t repeat them exactly the same again. That’s the beauty of working with key points instead of memorized scripts. I dressed professionally. A well-fitted suit, tie, and polished shoes—simple, confident presentation. I answered naturally and conversationally. My tone wasn’t robotic. I let the conversation flow. I used body language. Gesturing subtly, nodding, maintaining eye contact like I was explaining a passion, not passing an exam. I didn’t rehearse fixed answers. While practising in front of the mirror, I never repeated the same response twice to the same question. That forced me to get comfortable with thinking on my feet and expressing myself in various ways. I didn’t obsess over mock interviews or crowd opinions. I prioritized authenticity over sounding overly polished or grandiose. Above all, I prayed like it all depended on God and prepared like it all depended on me.

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/12/2025, 8:38:06 AM

UK NEWS 🇬🇧

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/14/2025, 7:04:22 PM

*Schwarzman Scholarship Program 2026-2027 for Young Leaders to Study in China (Fully funded)🇨🇳* Scholarship covers ~ Tuition ~ Accommodation ~ Stipend for personal expenses Deadline: September 10, 2025 Apply here: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/admissions/application-instructions/ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/16/2025, 4:33:58 PM

🎓 #PhD in #Economics (MRes + PhD) Department of Economics – University of Surrey, UK 📌 Program Structure The program consists of two stages: MRes in Economics (Year 1): Intensive training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and research methods. PhD in Economics (Years 2–4): Advanced field courses and independent research under faculty supervision. Students can either complete the standalone MRes degree after one year or progress directly to the PhD, subject to satisfactory performance. 🧠 Goals & Opportunities The program is designed to prepare students for: Academic careers in top universities; Research positions in international organizations (e.g., World Bank, IMF); Senior roles in central banks or the private sector. PhD students benefit from: Weekly research seminars to present their work; Financial support to attend international conferences; Opportunities for international research visits; Job market preparation training, including CV development, mock interviews, and publication strategy. 💼 Graduate Placement Examples Recent graduates have secured positions at: Oxford, Cambridge, European University Institute (EUI), CEP-LSE, University of Texas at Austin, University of Glasgow, Bank of Canada, and others. 💰 Funding & Scholarships The department offers generous scholarships to candidates with strong research potential, including: Full international tuition coverage; An annual stipend of £20,780 plus £2,460 for teaching responsibilities (for 2024–25 entry); An annual research allowance. In return, students contribute a moderate amount of teaching, grading, and research assistance—valuable experience for academic development. 🔬 Academic Excellence & Rankings Ranked Top 11 in the UK for Economics & Econometrics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) Ranked Top 10 in the UK for world-leading research (REF 2021) Faculty publications in leading journals such as AER, QJE, JPE, RESTUD, JEEA, EJ, and others. 📅 Key Dates Program Start Date: 1 October 2025 Program End Date: 30 September 2029 Application Deadline: 15 July 2025 Program Duration: 48 months (4 years) Study Mode: Full-time, On-campus more detailed information : https://lnkd.in/ewBNfnh6

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/14/2025, 7:04:53 PM

*STATUS: APPROVED ✅✅✅✅* LOCATION: Lusaka, Zambia ATTEMPT: First Attempt VO: Good morning. Passport and I-20, please ME: Good morning (passes them) VO: What are you going to be doing in the United States ? ME: I am going to the US to pursue a masters degree in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on renewable energy, smart grids, hardware control and automation, and power infrastructure cyber security at Michigan technological university in Houghton Michigan. VO: Why Michigan Technological University? ME: I chose Michigan Tech for its strong focus on smart grids, power infrastructure, cybersecurity, and renewable energy. Its research groups like GriSMO and the APS Research Centre offer practical, cutting-edge experience, and the university’s NSA designation reflects its excellence in cyber defence. This aligns perfectly with my career goals in developing secure and resilient power systems. VO: Did you apply to any other university? Me: No, I only applied to Michigan Technological University because, through my research, I found that it closely aligns with my interests in renewable energy, smart grids, and power infrastructure cybersecurity. I also find its location ideal for focused study, as it is situated in a quiet, countryside setting. Additionally, being a reputable public institution gives me further confidence in the quality and stability of the education and environment it offers. VO: How will you be financing your education? ME: I secured an approved Mpower educational loan, which will quata for my tuition, living expenses, and any other school related costs. VO: Do you have any additional funding and support? ME: Yes, my parents have committed to covering the monthly interest during my studies and will continue supporting the repayment of the interest and principal after graduation. In addition, I plan to resume and expand my work as a freelance electrical and solar systems engineer. I also intend to collaborate with companies such as the Copperbelt Energy Corporation and ZESCO to contribute to the development of secure and reliable energy infrastructure once I return back to Zambia. These multiple income streams will ensure I meet my loan obligations without difficulty. VO: What do your parents do? My parents are both police officers. In addition to their jobs, they own rental properties and run a small-scale chicken farm, which provides them with additional income. VO: What did you pursue your undergraduate degree? ME: Before he finished, I responded to say electrical and electronics engineering (at this point, the conversation just seemed like we were chatting) VO: At what university did you do this undergraduate degree, and when was this? 2024, at The copperbelt University. ---------------------------------------------------------- From what I’ve noticed (this might vary depending on where you’ll do your interview and who will interview you): Be confident. Speak clearly and be audible. Show that you know exactly why you’re travelling. This is especially important for the first question—many people get denied because they seem unprepared or unsure of what they’re doing. Don’t be timid. Someone once told me that Americans aren’t like us Africans who show respect in a fearful or overly humble way. Be respectful, but don’t act timid or scared—speak with confidence. Make clear points. When you present a document, make sure you can explain and defend it honestly. If not, it might look fake. You might not even be asked for your documents. If you present your case well, the visa officer might not request anything else. For example: I carried a bank statement to show I could pay my interest while in school, but the VO didn’t even ask for it. I also didn't mention figures because he could already see them on the I-20 and support letter but I was still ready to dive deep in explaining the interest payments with figures but I avoided this because he already seemed convinced. It's your interview, control the direction.

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/12/2025, 7:38:11 PM

Some countries have specialized visa programs to attract top-tier professionals in key industries. Here are some popular options: 1. United Kingdom – Global Talent Visa This is for leaders or emerging science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and arts and culture experts. No employer sponsorship is required. Link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent 2. Australia – Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) It targets highly skilled professionals in fields such as DigiTech, MedTech, AgTech, cybersecurity, and financial services and offers direct permanent residency. See more here: https://lnkd.in/euXyuz-6 3. Canada – Global Talent Stream (GTS) A fast-track work permit for tech professionals, offering two-week processing times. Requires a job offer from an approved Canadian employer. Link: https://lnkd.in/eJ7fmabc 4. United States – O-1 Visa This is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Proof of national or international recognition is required. Link: https://lnkd.in/erudepA4 5. New Zealand – Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa For exceptional talent in arts, culture, or sports. Provides a pathway to residency after two years of active contribution in the field. Link: https://lnkd.in/eHSVTSHp 6. Germany – EU Blue Card A skilled worker permits for non-EU professionals, primarily in STEM fields. Allows work in Germany and other EU countries. Link: https://lnkd.in/e79Nt9m4 7. France – French Tech Visa For highly skilled professionals in technology and innovation, including startup founders, investors, and employees supporting France’s tech ecosystem. Link: https://lnkd.in/ecqfp4k4 8. UAE Golden Visa 🇦🇪 The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa. Link: https://lnkd.in/eJk-RM28 9. China talent visa (China R visa) This special visa was created by the government of China to attract foreign talents into the country to boost productivity and innovation. Link: https://lnkd.in/et-7-wP3 10. Thailand smart visa https://lnkd.in/eWkyMy9c

GLOBAL SCHOLARS BLOG (GSB SCHOLARSHIPS)

5/10/2025, 5:08:43 PM

AMERICA 🇺🇸 VISA INTERVIEW PROCESS