Parents send their children to prestigious foreign universities because they believe that doing so can serve as a stepping-stone to a global career path.

Postgraduate certificate and diploma programs are often the preferred option in studying overseas because of the many benefits it can offer, such as enhancing graduates’ job prospects, including starting their professional career at higher entry-level positions and salaries.

These postgraduate programs provide students with a chance to not only specialize in a field of their chosen interest, but also advance their knowledge and expertise in an area they are passionate about.

Students will also develop their skills in planning, research and critical thinking, all of which is invaluable on entering the world of work.

It takes just one year to earn a postgraduate certificate or diploma, much shorter than earning a master’s degree.

General interest in pursuing postgraduate education overseas is growing among undergraduates. Their parents, who have long been committed to securing the best for their child’s education by saving and investing early on, are aware that tuition is not the only cost of studying abroad.

In planning to support their children’s overseas studies, parents also consider other expenses such as student health insurance, school supplies and textbooks, the cost of living covering accommodation, food and transport, as well as off-campus activities and entertainment.

These costs can add a significant amount to their original budget, and many parents may find that they are only be able to afford a portion of the total costs. But they still want their highly motivated and talented children to realize their dreams of studying overseas.

Fortunately, there is good news for parents in supporting their academically committed and outstanding children to fulfill their aspirations of studying at a university in the United Kingdom.

The GREAT Scholarships 2021 offers a minimum discount of 10,000 pounds off tuition fees to qualifying Indonesian students eager to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK.

“We are delighted to launch yet another GREAT Scholarship scheme for Indonesian students in collaboration with the GREAT Britain Campaign,” says country director Hugh Moffatt at the British Council Indonesia, the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

“More than 20 top universities from across the UK are participating in this program and offering 29 scholarships for postgraduate courses,” he adds.

The scholarship program’s partnering universities include Imperial College, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Agricultural University, Sheffield Hallam University, Ulster University, the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, the University of Reading and the University of York.

The UK has long been recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading education destinations, in part due to its exceptional teaching standards.

The UK consistently tops the World University Rankings and is home to 28 of the top 200 universities across the globe.

Students pursuing an education in the UK also benefit from great experiences through the country’s rich culture and warm, welcoming way of life.

Studying in the UK also offers graduates excellent employment prospects. Gaining an education at a prestigious UK institution means earning the respect of employers and academics all over the world. With these advantages and more on offer, the UK is unquestionably the best place to prepare for your chosen career.

The GREAT Scholarships is funded jointly by the GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council and participating UK higher education institutions, and targets prospective postgraduate students for Autumn 2021 enrolment at UK universities.

Indonesia is among the selected number of countries eligible for the GREAT Scholarships, along with Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Moffatt of British Council Indonesia says that interested applicants can apply for the GREAT Scholarships in a variety of subjects, including art and design, business, computer science, engineering, environmental science, history, law and literature.

Indonesian students interested in apply for the scholarship must have received an entry offer from any of the partnering universities above, says Moffat. They must also satisfy the university’s entry requirements for their chosen course.

Each institution has its own application deadline for the GREAT Scholarships, but all partnering universities must select their scholarship candidates by June 18, 2021.

Exploratory and experiential learning

Making the decision to leave home and move to another country to pursue study abroad presents many challenges for international students, says Moffat, and no less so during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But it also indicates a strong commitment to embrace change and discover new ways of learning,” he underlines.

The UK’s world-class universities are openly recruiting international students, although the admissions processes and teaching methods might differ from previous years. The wider East Asia region, which includes Indonesia, remains a priority for attracting postgraduate students to UK study programs.

Moffat adds that the UK attract more than 3,000 Indonesian students every academic year and values the diversity and academic contribution they bring.

Certain characteristics define GREAT Scholarships recipients, who are also known as GREAT Scholars. They are motivated and demonstrate academic capacity for following and benefiting from a UK postgraduate course. They are also actively contributing to their chosen field through work or other activities that indicate proven interest.

GREAT Scholars are also willing to share their experiences through creating content that capture their perceptions during their UK studies. In addition, they are able to take on the role of a GREAT Scholarships ambassador to promote the program’s opportunities and benefits, including speaking to potential candidates about their academic and life experiences as an international student in the UK.

Lampung-born Novindri Aji is a GREAT Scholar who is pursuing a master in leadership at the University of Cambridge.

“The scholarship has given me an opportunity to study here in Cambridge, and it has been an important part of my study,” he says.

Aji’s journey to winning the GREAT Scholarships began when he found information on the University of Cambridge website.

“When I [applied] for the scholarship, I prepared some documents, a letter of application, my CV and a motivational letter, as well as references from my supervisors and professors,” he says.

On learning that he had been selected as a GREAT Scholarships recipient, he says he “was so grateful”.

“I was so happy. I was so surprised at the same time, but happy that I would be part of the [GREAT Scholarships] family,” he recalls. “I was the only one who was accepted at the University of Cambridge.”

As for the leadership master program, he says: “I chose the program because I have always wanted to work in international development. And then I would like to focus on my legal and conservation background, focusing on life trade.”

He also has some tips for potential scholarship applicants.

“I hope you will prepare very carefully, and please provide a strong letter of motivation and recommendations from your supervisors and professors,” he suggests.

“I really encourage you to apply for this scholarship and look forward to welcoming you among the GREAT Scholars next year!”

Popular

Indonesian Muslim groups rally behind Iran amid escalating war

Details on gasoline, diesel rationing remain elusive

Witnesses, activists in Andrie case subject to threats