Adult Learners Scholarship 2026 – Finalists

These finalists stood out from a competitive field of applicants as inspiring examples of globally-minded adult learners pursuing their education across borders, a proof that it's never too late to take the next step.

They are presented in alphabetical order by surname below.

Betül Balcı

Betül's background:

Betül is an English Language Teacher from Türkiye with a strong commitment to education, lifelong learning, and international cooperation. She graduated from Yeditepe University with a Bachelor's degree in English Language Teaching, ranking third in her class with a GPA of 3.83/4.00. Since then, she has been teaching while continually investing in her professional development through international certifications, educational projects, and innovative teaching practices. Her time in the classroom has shown her how education can transform lives, create opportunities, and empower learners from all kinds of backgrounds.

How Betül chose her country of study:

Betül chose Lithuania as a European destination that brings together academic quality, an international outlook, cultural openness, and accessibility for ambitious adult learners. Vytautas Magnus University stood out to her because its full-time master's programme in Applied English Linguistics aligns directly with her academic background and her goals as an English Language Teacher. Studying there, she believes, will allow her to deepen her knowledge of language acquisition, linguistics, and modern teaching methodologies within a multicultural academic environment, and to grow both professionally and personally.

How Betül plans to become a globally-minded leader:

Betül plans to draw on her master's studies to connect academic research with hands-on classroom experience. Her long-term ambition reaches beyond teaching English itself into curriculum development, teacher training, and international educational projects, supporting learners from diverse backgrounds through inclusive, innovative, and research-based approaches to language education. By gaining an international perspective through her studies, she hopes to build stronger connections between education systems and contribute to a more globally connected world of learning.

Ming-Yao Huang

Ming-Yao's background

Ming-Yao, a medical graduate from Taiwan, completed a dual-degree in Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine at China Medical University, ranking second in his class and earning four Academic Achievement Awards. As the first in his family to attend university, he values education as a hard-won opportunity, dedicating himself to neurology through clinical training and research.

He was selected for a competitive Neurology Talent Cultivation Programme. Ming-Yao also organised peer study groups, improved coursework notes, and sang in a choir that performed in hospitals and care wards, helping withdrawn patients reconnect. These experiences solidified his belief that medicine and education should prevent isolation caused by illness or identity.

How Ming-Yao chose his country of study

Ming-Yao chose the UK after a clinical elective at UCL Queen Square and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. There, he experienced an environment where clinical care, research, and multidisciplinary support were closely integrated, and diagnoses led to deeper investigations. He was impressed by the NHS's approach to evidence, cost, and fair access. For an aspiring clinician-researcher planning to return to Taiwan, it was the ideal setting to develop scientific judgement and responsibility.

How Ming-Yao plans to become a globally-minded leader

For Ming-Yao, neuromuscular medicine’s key challenge is that innovative treatments bring hope, but access remains unequal. New gene therapies have transformed once-irreversible conditions like AADC deficiency and spinal muscular atrophy, restoring function and dignity for some patients in Taiwan. This success prompts urgent questions about fair access and public funding. After his MSc, he plans to complete neurology training and a PhD, aiming to diagnose conditions early and bring new gene therapies to patients through research trials.

By collecting real-world data across healthcare settings, he hopes to strengthen evidence for international guidelines and support funding for life-saving treatments. Ultimately, he seeks equity—access based on evidence and justice, not privilege.

Ishantha Dewmini

Ishantha's background

Ishantha completed her National Advanced Level studies in Sri Lanka with strong results in science subjects, then earned a distinction in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences at Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, with an 80.83% average. She is now pursuing an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs at the James Lind Institute, finishing in August 2026. During a CO-OP at Caliber Scientific – Reagecon Diagnostics, Ireland, she led corrective actions on conductivity testing, analysing data, conducting trials, and presenting accepted recommendations to improve accuracy.

How Ishantha chose her country of study

Ishantha chose her programme for its academic strength and international reputation, prioritizing curriculum quality over location. The Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (EACH) master's attracted her with its focus on advanced methodologies, quality systems, and method validation. After evaluating several European universities, she found EACH the ideal fit—an EU-co-funded programme with top industry and academic partners. Recognizing its prestige, she enrolled even without an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, viewing it as a vital investment in her future.

How Ishantha plans to become a globally-minded leader

Ishantha aims to become a research scientist in clinical and pharmaceutical development, inspired by the impact research has where chemistry and pharmaceutics intersect. She hopes to advance global health through new discoveries and share her knowledge with the next generation, fueling ongoing curiosity and innovation.

Bailey Thompson

Bailey's background

Bailey is a licensed professional engineer from Canada with experience leading major international projects in industries such as automotive, mining, and medical devices, managing projects worth $30 million to $7 billion. She holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate in Engineering Leadership and Innovation from Western University, earning several academic awards, including a published, award-winning capstone project for Hyperloop applications.

Bailey is also active in leadership and community roles, having chaired Hatch Ltd.'s regional professional development program, co-led Western’s Women in Engineering Club, and volunteered with Engineers Without Borders.

How Bailey chose her country of study

Bailey chose Paris for her master's to gain the international perspective needed for global projects. Studying in such a connected city offers exposure to diverse classmates, industries, and networks. Her experience living in six Canadian cities has shown her how geography and culture shape collaboration, making France the next step in broadening her perspective.

How Bailey plans to become a globally-minded leader

Bailey aims to become a project manager leading engineering projects that address global challenges and benefit communities. To transition from engineering to project management, she is pursuing an MSc in International Project Management at ESCP Business School, which deepens her skills in multicultural leadership, global strategy, and project governance.

She values the programme’s international seminar in emerging economies, complementing her experience with global teams in South Africa, Colombia, and India, where she learned that diverse perspectives drive better solutions. Ultimately, Bailey hopes to lead major projects and empower people from all backgrounds to contribute their best.

Yuto Goto

Yuto's background

Yuto grew up in rural Japan, where higher education and studying abroad were rare. After high school, he worked in a factory and at a hotel, where meeting international guests inspired him to teach himself English. This determination led to his admission to McLennan Community College in Texas, where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA and served as a tutor and student leader. He also conducted marine biology research on rope sponges in Honduras through the TIDES program. Yuto now studies Biology at Texas Christian University, focusing on environmental health, ecology, and infectious disease.

How Yuto chose his country of study

Yuto chose the U.S. for its early opportunities in research and patient-centred care for undergraduates. Shadowing at Waco Family Medicine sparked his interest in prevention-focused medicine, as he saw family doctors help patients overcome barriers like insurance and health literacy. His mother's experience in Japan also showed him the value of consistent care. Studying in Texas prepares him to support future Japan–U.S. collaboration in prevention and community health.

How Yuto plans to become a globally-minded leader

Yuto’s experiences in Japan, the U.S., and Honduras showed him that health and environmental issues are global. He aims to develop expertise in ecology and disease prevention, learn from diverse perspectives, and foster Japan–U.S. collaboration through research and education. Yuto also hopes to mentor nontraditional students, encouraging them to pursue international opportunities and make meaningful contributions.

Are you inspired by these amazing finalists?

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