Case Study: Scholarship Recipient: Nabiha Tahsin Unaishah
100% Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Provost Educational Scholarship.
For Nabiha Tahsin Unaishah, the opportunity to study at Heriot-Watt University was made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in the power of education to change lives.
Awarded the 100% Heriot-Watt University Dubai Provost Educational Scholarship, Nabiha was given the opportunity to pursue her degree in Accounting and Finance without the financial barriers that can prevent talented students from accessing higher education. The scholarship was more than funding for her studies, it was an investment in her potential, and it gave her the confidence and opportunity to build the future she had always worked towards.
Born in Bangladesh and raised in Dubai, Nabiha grew up with a strong belief in making the most of every opportunity. Her parents taught her that participating was more important than winning, and that walking away from a challenge meant missing the chance to learn and grow.
I was always curious and enjoyed taking on new challenges, so self-improvement became one of my biggest motivations
That mindset shaped the way Nabiha approached every stage of her journey. Before university, she became involved in youth organisations, served on her school’s student council, volunteered, and participated in competitions that helped her develop both technical and interpersonal skills.
Through the Provost Educational Scholarship, Nabiha was able to begin her university journey at Heriot-Watt University with the freedom to focus on her education, personal development, and the opportunities around her.
Receiving the scholarship was a moment she will always remember.
I felt incredibly grateful and honoured. I knew how competitive the selection process was, and it felt rewarding to have my hard work recognised.
For Nabiha, the impact of the scholarship went beyond financial support.
It gave me a sense of responsibility. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity I had been given and ensure that I lived up to the values the scholarship represents.
Throughout her time at Heriot-Watt, she embraced that opportunity fully. As President of the Model United Nations Club, Nabiha led a team, organised events, and developed her understanding of leadership, communication, and collaboration.
Leading the club taught me a great deal about bringing people together and creating something meaningful as a team,
She was also selected as one of seven students for the BMW iLead Mentorship Programme, where she gained valuable insights from industry professionals and began developing a clearer vision for her future career.
Academically, one of her proudest achievements was completing her dissertation. Choosing a challenging topic intentionally, Nabiha pushed herself beyond her comfort zone and discovered the importance of perseverance and resilience.
It took months of hard work and guidance from my supervisor, but seeing it come together and receiving positive feedback made it one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree
Graduation marked a significant milestone - not only the completion of her degree, but a celebration of the journey made possible through the support she received.
It represents years of hard work, learning, and personal growth. Receiving the Provost Educational Scholarship made this opportunity possible, so today is not only a celebration of earning my degree but also of the trust and support that was placed in me.
Now, Nabiha is exploring graduate opportunities in corporate finance, analytics, strategy, and consulting - areas where she can continue learning, solve complex problems, and make a meaningful contribution.
Looking ahead, she hopes to grow into a leader in her field while also giving back to others, continuing the cycle of support that helped shape her own journey.
Her message to future scholarship recipients is simple: embrace the opportunity.
This opportunity is more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence in your potential. Stay curious, work hard, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself because those experiences will shape you in ways you don’t expect.
And to the donors and supporters who make scholarships like hers possible, Nabiha expresses her deepest gratitude.
Your generosity creates opportunities that truly change lives and open doors that might not otherwise have been possible. I hope to honour that support by carrying those values forward and, one day, giving future students the same opportunities that I was fortunate to receive.
Nabiha’s story is a reminder that when students are supported at the right moment, they can go on to achieve more than they ever imagined. We are deeply grateful to the donors and supporters whose generosity made this opportunity possible, and to Nabiha for embracing every challenge, making the most of every opportunity, and showing what can be achieved when ambition is met with support.