Global Undergraduate Scholarship - 2024 Finalists

These 6 candidates stood out from thousands of applicants as outstanding prospects with passion, leadership and global mindedness. They are presented in alphabetical order by surname below.

Muhammad Abbas

Pakistan

Plans to pursue Bachelors in Health Sciences at the University of Bremen in Germany.

Muhammad’s Background

Muhammad Abbas is an ambitious individual with a passion for education and health, is determined to make a lasting impact in his community. With a strong foundation in teaching and sciences, he is now focused on furthering his education abroad to become a globally minded leader in health and public service. 

How Muhammad chose his country of study

Germany's reputation for excellence in education, particularly in health sciences and technology, made it an ideal choice for Muhammad. The country's strong emphasis on research and innovation, coupled with its multicultural environment, offers the perfect setting for his academic pursuits. The combination of world-class universities and a robust economy provides opportunities for both academic and professional growth.

How Muhammad plans to become a globally minded leader

Muhammad vision includes using his international experience to create positive change in Pakistan and beyond. By combining scientific expertise with cross-cultural understanding, he plans to develop initiatives that make education and healthcare more accessible to all communities. His goal is to build collaborative networks that can address global challenges in healthcare education and delivery.

Marcos Africano

Angola

Plans to pursue a Bachelor's in Computer Science at the University of the People in the USA.

Marcos’s Background

Marcos, a passionate technology enthusiast, is driven to make his mark in the field of Computer Science. His deep interest in software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity fuels his ambition to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges

How Marcos chose his country of study

Marcos chose the United States for its prestigious achievements in technology education. He was drawn to the country's lead in computer science field, which offered him the opportunity to study under professors with expertise, valuable educational resources, and engage with a curriculum that keeps pace with technological advancements.

How Marcos plans to become a globally minded leader

He is determined to broaden his worldview by engaging with a diverse group of students and professionals from around the globe. The education he will receive in the U.S. will not only sharpen his technical expertise but also enhance his ability to think critically and creatively about challenges faced by communities worldwide. Ultimately, he seeks to leverage this experience to lead innovative projects and contribute to the development of software solutions that have a positive impact on the global community.

Arslan Aslam

Pakistan

Plans to pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at the Lincoln University in New Zealand

Arslan’s Background

A student from Gilgit, Pakistan, he has always been passionate about computer science. He graduated high school with honors and was actively involved in the Diamond Sports Club, where he honed his leadership and teamwork skills. His volunteer work with the Aga Khan Health Board and Ismaili Volunteerism Education Board, where he helped organize educational workshops and tutored students, sparked his interest in the intersection of technology and education.

How Arslan a chose his country of choice 

He chose to study abroad for the exceptional quality of education that will not only broaden his academic perspective but also help him achieve his career goals. By immersing himself in international programs, he aims to enhance his knowledge of computer science and its application in management systems. Studying abroad will provide him with a global perspective, allowing him to engage with diverse cultures and gain access to excellent resources - critical for developing his skills and achieving his professional aspirations.

How Arslan plans to become a globally minded leader

Arslan’s goal is to represent his own culture and traditions with pride while fostering mutual respect for others’ beliefs. While studying abroad, he will engage with people from diverse backgrounds, which will help him develop empathy and the ability to lead with a global perspective. He expects this experience will enhance his leadership skills and enable him to create an inclusive environment where diverse ideas can thrive, contributing to both his personal growth and the success of the communities he will be part of.

Tam Huynh

Vietnam

Pursuing a degree in International Business and Logistics at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland

Tam’s Background

Coming from Vietnam, Tam's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree that instilled a strong understanding of business principles. Her curiosity and drive to enhance supply chain efficiency led her to pursue further education in logistics. Passionate about global trade, Tam’s experiences have shaped her determination to contribute to the evolving field of international business.

How Tam chose her country of choice

Finland's position as a destination with a high qualityeducation, coupled with its pioneering spirit in innovation and commitment to sustainability, shaped Tam's destination choice. These values align perfectly with her aspirations to drive change in logistics and global supply chains. Studying at Metropolia University has provided her with an international environment that has enriched her adaptability and broadened her understanding of different business practices.

Currently studying in Finland, Tam is in her second year of International Business and Logistics at Metropolia University. With a solid academic foundation from her previousBachelor's degree in Vietnam, Tam is passionate about improving supply chain efficiency and exploring innovative solutions in global trade.

How Tam plans to become a globally minded leader 

Tam plans to become a globally minded leader by gaining extensive international experience and championing sustainable practices in logistics. Her ultimate goal is to innovate global supply chains and implement environmentally responsible solutions that benefit businesses and communities worldwide. Through her education and career, Tam aims to tackle the challenges of globalization while making a meaningful, positive impact on the world.

Vanessa Lavhengwa

South Africa
Plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at Arden University

Vanessa’s Background

Vanessa is a 23-year-old South African educator and aspiring psychologist with experience in TEFL and occupational therapy. As an English teacher in South Korea, she developed valuable skills in cross-cultural communication and education. Her background in a rural township in Limpopo has given her unique insights into community resilience and the importance of accessible education and mental health resources. 

She is passionate in advocating for education, mental health, and community empowerment. Her experiences teaching English abroad and volunteering in special schools at home have shaped her vision for bridging cultural and societal gaps through empathy and understanding.

How Vanessa chose her university of choice

Vanessa selected Arden University for the flexibility of online education, which allows her to pursue her studies while continuing her international teaching career. The flexibility of the program enables her to blend global experience with formal education, creating a unique pathway to achieve her goals. Her upcoming move to teach in the Philippines while studying demonstrates her commitment to both personal growth and professional development.

How Vanessa plans to become a globally minded leader

Coming from a rural South African township, Vanessa understands firsthand the importance of resilience and community-based solutions. She combines this foundational perspective with her international teaching experience to bridge cultural gaps and create inclusive educational environments. By integrating her psychology studies with her teaching work, she aims to develop initiatives that address global challenges in education and mental health, particularly focusing on underserved communities. Her approach emphasizes the power of individual action to create collective change, driven by values of compassion, diversity, and inclusion.

Mamello Selepe

South Africa
Aspiring to study Law at the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom

Mamello’s Background

Raised in an environment marked by hardship, Mamello cultivated resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of self-awareness. These life experiences instilled in her a deep commitment to advocate for others and bring about positive change. Her perseverance in the face of challenges serves as a foundation for her aspirations and drives her determination to succeed.

Mamello has a keen interest in the subjects like justice, human rights, and fostering meaningful societal change. Her journey of overcoming adversity has fueled her dedication to making a lasting impact in the legal field.

How Mamello chose her university of choice

Shechose the United Kingdom as her destination of study for its high-quality legal education and the opportunity to study within a diverse and multicultural community. She was particularly drawn to the University of Stirling for its comprehensive curriculum and focus on preparing students for impactful careers in law. Studying in the UK will not only broaden her academic horizons but also allow her to engage with global perspectives and build valuable international connections.

How Mamello plans to become a globally minded leader

Mamello envisions herself as a future Chief Justice, leveraging her position to reform the justice system and champion human rights. She is dedicated to fostering equity, fairness, and accountability within legal institutions. By pursuing her studies in the UK and gaining a global perspective, she aims to develop the expertise, leadership, and vision necessary to make transformative contributions to the legal profession and society at large.