How a UCL scholarship helped Sundas Gull redefine prosperity
Discover how Global Prosperity Equity Fund recipient Sundas Gull overcame barriers as a single mother to study at UCL, reshaping her career through social innovation and systems thinking.
From solo parenting to systems change—how a UCL scholarship unlocked Sundas Gull’s next chapter
To call it a lifesaver would be an understatement.
For Sundas Gull, studying at UCL wasn’t just an academic decision, it was a life-changing one. A single mother from Pakistan with a background in the private sector, she found herself increasingly drawn toward work that could deliver more social impact.
I was disillusioned. I felt I had more to give, I just didn’t know where or how yet.
A chance conversation at an event reshaped her understanding of entrepreneurship.
It helped me move beyond the ‘Silicon Valley’ image of innovation. It made me ask deeper questions about justice, equity, and systems that serve the public good.
Those questions led her to the MSc in Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE) at UCL’s Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP) and to a scholarship that made it all possible.
Support that changed everything
As a single parent, the costs of studying in London felt overwhelming. Balancing tuition fees, living costs, and my son’s needs was a huge barrier.
The UCL Institute for Global Prosperity Equity Fund gave her the chance to pursue postgraduate study without sacrificing her responsibilities at home.
Receiving the scholarship wasn’t just a financial relief, it was a vote of confidence. It told me that my story, my voice, and my potential mattered.
She discovered the scholarship through UCL’s student support resources and credits a key conversation with staff at the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity for helping her apply.
They didn’t just give advice, they really encouraged me. That personal support made all the difference.
A transformative experience
Since joining the Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc, Sundas has leaned fully into the UCL experience. She’s sharpened her critical thinking, expanded her network, and explored new ways of making change.
A highlight so far? Winning the PIE Challenge, a group project focused on designing real-world solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We were a team from five different countries. It was a real example of how global collaboration can drive innovation.
She also credits her lecturers, personal tutor, and peers for supporting her through life’s ups and downs.
Their belief in me kept me going.
Looking ahead
Sundas is now exploring how her dissertation could inform a career focused on designing inclusive, equitable systems, possibly through an NGO, or further research.
My goal isn’t just a job, it’s contributing to a better, fairer society.
Her advice? “Just do it.”
To anyone considering applying for a scholarship, don’t overthink it. Be honest. Be personal. Your story is what makes you stand out. Once you're here, say yes to everything—seminars, student clubs, workshops. UCL is full of opportunities if you’re open to them.
Study Global Prosperity at UCL
Discover more about our postgraduate courses and the career opportunities they could unlock
Learn more