Applications for the academic year 26/27 are now closed.
Following the successful launch of our Overseas Bursary programme in Spring 2025, we now welcome entries for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The bursary scheme is designed to offer financial assistance to tertiary level (Bachelors, Masters or PHD) students of Naga heritage. The bursary support will prioritise STEM subjects and professional qualifications in the trades and services sectors and the applicant will need to show they are taking up an offer of a firm place at a UK university and be in possession of a UK visa.
Each bursary will be worth a total of £3,900 and will be paid to the successful applicant on a prorated basis across the terms or semesters of the course. It will not be paid in a lump sum. The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate they have a UK bank account into which the money can be paid.
If you are interested in applying for a bursary, the next round of applications is now open and will remain open until 16th July 2027 after which the successful applicants will be notified.
The decision of who will receive a bursary will be made by the Kohima Educational Trust Board of Trustees and will be final.
KET is delighted to annouce that we have awarded further bursaries in 2026. The recipients are:
Lidoweii Mero, a Chakhesang student from Kohima, is currently entering the final year of her BA Architecture course at London Metropolitan University.
Having spent almost half her life outside Nagaland, Lidoweii believes that distance has not weakened her connection to home, but has given her a broader perspective and encouraged her to look beyond familiar boundaries. Driven by curiosity, perseverance and ambition, Lidoweii is particularly interested in sustainable housing, design and the future of urban planning. After graduating, she hopes to continue studying and gaining professional experience in the UK.
In the future, she wants to use what she learns to contribute to her community and support other students who wish to pursue opportunities beyond Nagaland and India. Lidoweii hopes to become part of a cycle of support—giving others the kind of encouragement and opportunity she has received.
Sangti is from Chungtiayimsen Village in Mokokchung, Nagaland. She tell us:
"I completed my Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering at St. Joseph University, Nagaland, before going on to complete an MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Sheffield. My MSc dissertation explored why finite element simulations of reinforced concrete under fire loading diverge from experimental measurements, drawing on data from seven international laboratories. It was through this work that I found myself increasingly drawn to the question of how computational models can be made to reflect physical reality truly, and that question has shaped everything since.
I will be joining the University of Cambridge in October 2026 to read for an MPhil in Computational Methods for Materials Science. My research will focus on continuum-scale finite element modelling of electron beam welding in thick structural steels, work directly relevant to advancing the manufacture of offshore wind towers and accelerating net-zero infrastructure. I look forward to refining these computational skills through the MPhil and applying them further in fusion energy and aerospace engineering, fields I have been drawn to since attending the CDT Fusion Industry School at Oxford and visiting UKAEA Culham.
Coming from Nagaland, this opportunity means more to me than I can easily put into words. I am grateful for every door that has opened along the way.
I am deeply grateful to the Kohima Educational Trust for this bursary. It feels like a connection to home and an encouragement to keep going."
Sanendi Toy is an incoming master's student at the University College London for the MSc Cancer programme. He is interested in researching cancer epigenomes and therapeutics. Having worked with melanoma cells during his undergraduate research at the University of Edinburgh, he is drawn to studying cancer because of its complex heterogeneity. When not in the lab, he spends his time watching football, playing games, and running.
Angela is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Adult) at Anglia Ruskin University.
She tells us: "I am currently starting my third and final year of adult nursing, where I have been developing both my clinical skills and my understanding of compassionate, patient centred care. Through my placements, I have gained valuable insight into the realities of healthcare and strengthened my confidence in working with diverse patients and multidisciplinary teams. As I move into the final part of my course, I am looking forward to refining my skills and clinical judgement while preparing for the transition into professional practice. Being from a Naga background has played an important role in shaping my outlook, particularly in how I value community and understanding different cultural perspectives in care. It has also made me more aware of how experiences in healthcare can differ across communities, especially in women’s health. I am particularly interested in specialising in gynaecology, as I believe women’s health is often neglected. I hope to use my training to provide more informed and compassionate care, while also advocating for better awareness and support for women, including within communities that may be underrepresented or overlooked."
Soyinglo is studying for an MSc in Development, Disorders and Clinical Practice under the Department of Psychology at the University of York. She tells us about her motivtions for studying: "In Nagaland, there is limited awareness and understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, along with significant social stigma surrounding them. As a result, many children are misunderstood and do not receive the support they need.
There is also a pressing shortage of trained professionals and specialists in this field within the region. Thus, seeing these challenges have strongly motivated me to pursue this course in development and disorders.
In the future, I hope to pursue a PhD in this area. I especially wish to focus on these neurodevelopmental conditions within the context of Nagaland and the broader Northeast region of India. Much of the existing research on autism, ADHD, and related conditions has been conducted in Western countries or in metropolitan regions of mainland India. While this body of research is invaluable, it may not fully capture the lived experiences, cultural contexts, and social perceptions present in communities such as my own.
Additionally, I have a deep passion for music and its role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), many of whom have the conditions mentioned above. Given the cultural/communal importance of music back at home, it may offer a meaningful and accessible way to engage these children.
Overall, I am excited to see where this path will take me. I remain hopeful that the knowledge and skills I gain through research and training in University of York will be directly applicable to the context of Nagaland."
Sieke is studying for an MSc in Strategic Marketing with Global Business Development at the University of Hertfordshire. Sieke tells us: "I am originally from Meluri, Nagaland. In September 2024, I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my MSc in Strategic Marketing with Global Business Development. This journey marked an important step in my ambition to gain international exposure and develop the skills needed to create meaningful impact back home.
As part of my postgraduate programme, I am currently undertaking a working placement with Holocoach AI, where I apply strategic marketing and business development knowledge within a fast-paced start-up environment. Working closely with innovation-driven teams has strengthened my ability to think strategically, adapt quickly, and contribute to practical, growth-focused solutions.
Alongside my placement, I continue to complete my Applied Marketing Project and other experiential learning modules, including the development of my experiential learning portfolio. These hands-on components allow me to work on real business challenges, conduct market research, develop strategic recommendations, and reflect on my professional growth.
Coming from Meluri, I carry with me a deep appreciation for community, resilience, and opportunity. My long-term goal is to build an international career that enables me to promote the unique resources, culture, and products of Nagaland on a global platform. I am passionate about creating visibility, partnerships, and sustainable opportunities that contribute to the development of local communities.
I am sincerely grateful for opportunities such as the KET bursary, which support students like me in pursuing global education while staying connected to our roots and future aspirations."
Kevisier is studying for a BA(hons) in Business and Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Kevisier tells us: "I am currently a first-year Business Management student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. I chose to study business because I want to develop a strong understanding of how businesses operate on an international level. I decided to study in the United Kingdom due to its international learning atmosphere that helps students learn through global case studies alongside people from many different countries. It is also one of the world’s major centers for finance, trade, and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal place to learn business. This is a very important opportunity for me. In the future, my objective is to establish a business that is internationally connected, and I hope to apply what I will have learned to contribute to the development of my home state, Nagaland."
Sangmai is studying for a BA honours course in Business Managament at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Sangmai tells us: "I am studying Business at Cardiff Metropolitan University. I decided to study Business because I want to gain a broader understanding of how business works internationally. I chose the United Kingdom because of international learning, through cross-cultural experience combined with international case studies and student study. The UK is also a vital international business center especially in finance, trade, and entrepreneurship, and that makes the country a valuable place to study global business. This is a tremendous opportunity for me. I come from Nagaland and hope to use the knowledge and skills I learn here in the future to start companies importing or exporting local products from Nagaland to other regions. My goal is to contribute to raising awareness of Nagaland and to help develop its economy."
Kimaya is now a final year Medical student at Cardiff University: "I have had both my results back and have passed the two final year exams (prescribing safety exam and UK medical licensing assessment). I am currently on my elective in one of the local hospitals. I then have one final block of placement, and then my time at medical school will be complete! I hope to graduate in 2026, I will then spend two years working as a Foundation Doctor. My wish is to work within South Wales where I will be able to give back to the community where I was born and raised. I then aspire to apply for the Internal Medicine Training programme where I will commence further training in order to specialise in an area of Medicine."
