Former Nirmala College Student has Hard Work Recognised with Prestigious Scholarship

A nursing student who moved from India to study in Worcester in the UK says receiving a prestigious scholarship has given her an extra boost to achieve her ambitions.

Mebi Michael, 28 and from Kerala, is in the third year of her Adult Nursing course at the University of Worcester in the UK and was awarded the prestigious Academic Scholarship for her consistently outstanding performance throughout her studies.

“Knowing that my university notices my hard work and believes in what I can do is a massive boost,” said Mebi. “It drives me to work even harder, and it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when I really dedicate myself to my education.”

She said the money would mean she can focus even more on her studies.

“I plan to use the money directly for my education, covering tuition, textbooks and the essentials I need for my course,” she said. “Knowing that these expenses are taken care of means I can truly focus on studying hard and getting the absolute most out of my time at university.”

Mebi thanked her former teachers at Nirmala College Muvattuphzha, Kerala, India, for preparing her to flourish in her university studies.

She said: “My schooling in India really gave me the grit and work ethic I have today. My teachers pushed me to excel, and that solid foundation is exactly what prepared me to earn this scholarship; I just want to say a huge thank you, and I hope I’ve made you proud.”

Mebi said the supportive atmosphere at Worcester was one of the main reasons she chose to study there.

“I chose Worcester because it just felt like a genuinely supportive place where I wouldn’t just be another number,” she said. “Moving from India is a massive step, so I wanted a university that truly cares about helping international students settle in and succeed.”

Mebi is already excited for her future career in health care.

She said: “Once I graduate, I’m really looking forward to starting my career as a nurse. The Emergency Department is easily my favourite place to be. Down the line I want to study more and keep progressing, but right now, I can’t wait to get out onto the wards and put everything I’ve learned into practice.”

Mebi will be well placed to make her goals a reality, as the University of Worcester has been named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide, with judges describing a performance that ‘leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade’.

The University of Worcester is this year shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students in the Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.

Professor David Green CBE, DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni, philanthropists and friends of the University, we are able to award academic scholarships to students who perform outstandingly well – typically gaining straight As across their studies. Achieving such excellent results consistently requires dedication, ability and sheer hard work.”

“All of us at the University are very proud of all our scholarship winners who come from across the range of our courses and from many backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes scholarship winners who are students who did not particularly excel at school but find that the intellectual and professional challenge of university combined with the expert education provided at Worcester brings out the very best in them.”