As a student at Queen's, I’ve come to realise that there are plenty of opportunities beyond the classroom to enrich my professional journey. One of the best ways to do this is by taking advantage of the various travel scholarships the university offers. These scholarships help students develop their skills, attend conferences, or engage in other valuable activities that complement their degrees. Whether you’re looking for an international experience or something closer to home, Queen's has got you covered.

These awards are great ways to experience the beautiful world beyond our university walls. Explore the many scholarships Queen’s University offers: Scholarship Opportunities or sort through Funding and Scholarships to see what suits you best. Make sure to select an activity that aligns with your career goals or gives you a chance to explore something new. And check that it meets all the eligibility requirements for your chosen scholarship.

For guidance, consult the Careers Team, your school advisor, or your academic advisor to identify programmes that comply with the scholarship conditions and contribute to your professional development. Obtain school approval well before the deadline to ensure you have enough time to review and submit your application. The process is straightforward, but if you find it overwhelming, the team is always available to assist with any queries.

Steps After Receiving a Decision

Once you receive the scholarship decision, there are a few things to keep in mind. If it’s a yes, promptly accept the scholarship and submit your bank details on QSIS before the deadline. Be sure to keep all necessary receipts and payment confirmations as proof. If your application is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged—reach out to the team for feedback and consider reapplying in the next term.

Applying for the AHSS Travel Scholarship: My Journey

During my third semester at Queen's, I was eager to enhance my leadership skills and explore opportunities outside Northern Ireland. That’s when I came across the AHSS Jetset Your Degree Award. I applied for it to attend the IoD (Institute of Directors) Creative Advantage Masterclass in Edinburgh—a workshop focused on creativity and leadership in a professional setting. I was thrilled when my application was successful.

AHSS has two Travel Awards:

1. AHSS Jetset Your Degree Award (International Travel): This award offers £1,000 to support students who want to participate in an activity outside the UK and ROI (Republic of Ireland). The aim is to encourage global exposure through international study programmes, internships, or workshops.
2. AHSS Local Skills Development Award (Domestic Travel): The AHSS Local Skills Development Award is the perfect option for activities within the UK or ROI. It offers £250 to support participation in skills development activities.

IoD Creative Advantage Masterclass in Edinburgh

Professional Workshop: IoD Creative Advantage Masterclass in Edinburgh

Participating in the IoD Creative Advantage Masterclass in Edinburgh was an eye-opening experience for me. As part of the workshop, I was able to network with mid- and senior-level professionals from various industries, learning about leadership, creativity, and innovation. One of the biggest lessons I took away was that creativity isn’t just an inherent skill—it’s something that can be developed with the right approach.

Techniques like mind-mapping and brainstorming were key highlights of the workshop, showing me how structured thinking can lead to innovative ideas. What stood out most during the masterclass was the diversity of thought in the room. Engaging with professionals from different backgrounds gave me a broader perspective on problem-solving and decision-making. I now recognise the value of diverse viewpoints and have started applying this mindset in team projects at university.

Exploring Scotland: The Enchanting Edinburgh

Attending a workshop in Edinburgh also gave me the chance to explore this beautiful and historic city. Though my stay was short, I made sure to visit some iconic landmarks, including The Writers' Museum, Scott’s Monument, and the National Museum of Scotland. The city’s blend of old-world charm and modern innovation felt very similar to Belfast, making me feel right at home.

I did not get to experience some of the city’s Harry Potter attractions, in spite of being a Potterhead, but my packed schedule didn’t allow much time for that. Instead, I spent my free time wandering through the vibrant streets. I got to see a beautiful rainbow and the city’s beautiful music with both traditional and modern music playing in different parts of the city centre that transported me to a different world. And yes, I did try a vegetarian version of haggis! But, overall, I got a good Scottish experience for a day and I plan to visit again.

Thank You and Final Thoughts

I’d like to extend a special thank you to the AHSS team at Queen’s University Belfast, especially Aileen, who patiently answered all my questions throughout the application process. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had this incredible opportunity to enhance my skills and expand my horizons.

If you’re considering applying for a travel scholarship, my advice is simple: go for it! Travel changes people and take this coming from an international student whose perspectives changed. These scholarships offer you the chance to grow academically, professionally, and personally. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to meet the respective people and know more! I have grown through this experience. It's your turn now! Where will your travel scholarship take you?

Find out more

Scholarship Opportunities

AHSS Funding and Scholarships

Queen's Business School

Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.