SETU student realises Master's dream with Sanctuary Scholarship help

A Sanctuary Scholarship from South East Technological University (SETU) enabled Imran Ullah to pursue his dream of a master’s degree despite the challenges he faced as an asylum seeker.

The 29-year-old from Pakistan was filled with pride as he graduated on Wednesday, 30 October with a Master of Business in Management at SETU’s conferring ceremonies held at SETU Arena on the University’s West Campus in Waterford. 

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With his degree in hand, Imran shared, “My proudest achievement at SETU was receiving the 100% Sanctuary Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my master’s despite the challenges I faced as an asylum seeker. It reaffirmed my belief in perseverance and gave me the opportunity to excel academically while also contributing to the community through volunteering. Alongside my studies, I’m passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. My goal is to secure a corporate-level job while continuing to contribute to society.”

Before coming to Ireland, Imran had already achieved academically, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in his home country. After working in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, he sought further growth, initially moving to the UK before ultimately settling in Ireland as an international applicant.

“I applied to SETU and received a scholarship to pursue my Master of Business Studies. The support from the Sanctuary Scholarship team was crucial in helping me pursue my education despite various challenges. Their trust in me gave me the opportunity to study at SETU. Additionally, my lecturers were instrumental throughout my journey,” Imran explained.

A study trip to Belgium stands out as a particular highlight for Imran. “Visiting institutions like the European Parliament and meeting influential figures gave me invaluable insights into European politics and international business. It was a transformative experience that expanded my perspective and deepened my understanding of global affairs.”

Imran’s journey was not without challenges, especially navigating his status while studying. “Dealing with visa restrictions and uncertainty during an international study trip to Belgium was particularly challenging. However, with the support of the university, and a lecturer who advocated on my behalf, I was able to overcome these obstacles and fully participate in my academic journey,” he said.

In addition to his studies, Imran volunteered with Jack & Jill in Waterford, a children’s charity, gaining practical experience in customer service and management. “This experience provided me with practical insights into customer service and management, which complemented my academic studies by giving me real-world skills in communication and problem-solving.”

Reflecting on his time at SETU, Imran has advice for other students: “Embrace every opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom. Build strong relationships with your lecturers and classmates, as their support can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed and remember that challenges are part of the journey—stay resilient and keep focused on your goals.”

Having secured a role as a Business Development Associate at EirGen Pharma in Waterford, Imran is excited about his future. “My goal is to further develop my skills in the corporate world while contributing to the company’s success. At the same time, I hope to remain engaged in social impact initiatives, as giving back to the community is something I’m deeply passionate about. Ultimately, I aim to balance my professional growth with meaningful societal contributions.”