Written by Oluwafemi (Nigeria), MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering and PhD Materials
Even though I was born into a family that is not financially privileged, I’ve always had a desire to attend a highly-ranked university. Many of my friends believed it was not achievable to get into Imperial, given how competitive it is, but I kept on believing that one day I would become a student here, and look where I am now!
To overcome the financial constraints that were a significant challenge for me at the time, I applied for scholarships to support me financially while studying here. I was awarded a fully-funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in 2023 to pursue an MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering. During my Master’s studies, I was also awarded a studentship scholarship by the Department of Materials, which enabled me to progress directly to a PhD programme immediately after completing my Master’s.
How I found my scholarships to study at Imperial
For the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, I used Imperial’s Scholarship Search Tool to explore available funding opportunities which became an invaluable resource in helping me identify opportunities that could help me achieve my ambitions of joining Imperial.
Before discovering this search tool, I had assumed that scholarship opportunities for international students were very limited. Like many prospective students, I held the common perception that studying at a world-leading institution required substantial personal financial resources. However, using the Scholarship Search Tool completely changed my perspective. I was genuinely impressed by the range of scholarships and funding opportunities available to students from different countries, academic disciplines and socioeconomic backgrounds.
For me, this demonstrated something particularly important – access to high-quality education should not be determined solely by an individual’s financial circumstances or background. The availability and accessibility of these funding opportunities shows how Imperial can help talented and ambitious students identify potential pathways to world-class education, regardless of their circumstances. The Scholarship Search Tool did more than provide information – it helped transform what initially seemed like an unrealistic ambition into a genuine possibility.
Finding a PhD studentship
During the orientation for my Master’s course, our cohort of approximately 70 students were informed that one student would be selected for a PhD studentship opportunity within the Department of Materials. After learning about this opportunity, I used the Department of Material’s PhD scholarship hub to explore the studentship in greater detail, understand the eligibility requirements and determine whether it aligned with my academic interests and long-term research ambitions.
How I applied for my scholarships
For the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, I found the entire process smooth, clear and straightforward. Imperial’s website was user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate without requiring additional guidance on where to find relevant information or what steps to take next. The website also provided a direct link to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s platform, creating a well-connected and seamless journey between the relevant sources of information. This integration made it much easier to understand the opportunity, access the necessary details and progress through the application process with confidence.
My experience with the PhD scholarship was similarly positive. Having access to clear, relevant and well-structured information online played an important role in shaping my decision to pursue the opportunity. It enabled me to independently review the scholarship details, understand the eligibility requirements and expectations, assess whether the studentship aligned with my academic background and long-term research ambitions, and ultimately make a well-informed decision about applying.
Importantly, I was able to find the information I needed without having to send multiple enquiry emails to the administrative staff in charge. This made the process more efficient, accessible and user-friendly, while also giving me greater confidence in navigating the opportunity independently.
How scholarships and financial support have helped me
I cannot overemphasise the importance of these scholarships to me, particularly as an Imperial student living and studying in London. The cost of living in London can be high with significant expenses associated with accommodation, transportation, food and other essential needs. For many students, managing these costs alongside the demands of rigorous academic activities can be extremely challenging.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provided me with comprehensive financial support, allowing me to focus entirely on my MSc studies without the pressure of having to take on part-time employment to meet my living expenses. Receiving this scholarship was transformative and something that I remain deeply grateful for – it gave me the financial stability and peace of mind needed to dedicate myself fully to my academic work, research and personal development.
By being able to focus fully on my studies without constant financial concerns, I graduated from my MSc course with Distinction and was also recognised as a prize winner. These achievements are deeply important to me, not only personally and academically, but also in relation to my long-term career aspirations and the wider significance they hold for my family.
My PhD studentship has continued to play a similarly transformative role in my life, providing me with financial security, enabling me to concentrate on my research, pursue opportunities for professional development and make the most of my PhD experience.
Now in the second year of my PhD, I have already achieved several important milestones. I received the Best Industrial Relevance Poster Award at the Materials Postgraduate Research Conference (MPRC) 2026, and the second prize at the Midlands Industrial Ceramics Group poster competition held at the Advanced Ceramics Show in Birmingham 2026, recognising the practical and industrial significance of my research. I was also successful in securing Imperial’s Postgraduate Fellow Fund and funding from the European Ceramic Society through the JECS Trust to undertake a three-month research placement at the University of Limoges in France.
These opportunities and achievements have been made possible, in large part, because the financial security provided by my scholarship has allowed me to remain fully focused on my PhD research and professional development. Without that support, it would have been considerably more difficult to dedicate the same level of time, energy and commitment to my research or to pursue wider opportunities that are contributing to my development as a researcher.
My top tips for finding and applying for scholarships
Start early, be audacious and proactive. Do not assume that scholarships are unavailable to you because of your background, nationality or financial circumstances. Use university scholarship search tools regularly, explore departmental funding opportunities and carefully check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
I would also recommend looking beyond the scholarship title. Read the full details, understand what the funder is trying to achieve and tailor your application accordingly. A strong application should clearly demonstrate your academic potential, achievements, future ambitions and the wider impact the opportunity would have on your career and community.
Finally, do not self-reject. Apply even when the opportunity is highly competitive. I received a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and later progressed to a PhD studentship opportunity that was only available for one person! My experiences have taught me that scholarship support can be life-changing, but first, you must put yourself forward.
