Reaching new heights: How a Global Excellence Scholarship fuelled my aerospace dreams

Leaving my home in India to pursue an MSc in Aerospace Dynamics at Cranfield University was a leap of faith. Hi, I’m Oliza Kachroo and as an international student, the transition to a new country is often filled with a mix of excitement and financial anxiety. However, receiving the Global Excellence Scholarship didn’t just ease that burden—it redefined my entire university experience.

To me, this scholarship is far more than financial aid. It represents a belief in my potential, especially after navigating personal family hardships. It serves as a daily reminder that perseverance pays off, motivating me to give my absolute best to the field I love.

The Cranfield edge: Where theory meets the clouds

I chose Cranfield because of its unique standing as a postgraduate-only research powerhouse. My heart lies in both Experimental Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and this course offers the perfect marriage of the two.

One of the absolute highlights of my journey so far has been the Flight Experimental Methods module. Imagine being 10,000 feet up in a Saab 340B aircraft, feeling the rush of 0.5G and 2G flight conditions! I had the incredible opportunity to collect real-time flight data while experiencing phugoid and spiral modes. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience provided by the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) that I will cherish forever.

When I’m not in the air, I’m grounded in world-class facilities like the 8×4 atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel, gaining the practical skills needed to excel as an engineer.

With the support of the Global Excellence Scholarship, I have been able to pursue an MSc that might not have been possible otherwise. It has given me the opportunity to come to a new country to study at a top institution like Cranfield and take advantage of the resources that it has to offer.

Life beyond the lab

Cranfield is a peaceful, welcoming environment that prioritises application over rote learning. My days are a whirlwind of lectures, lab sessions, and my responsibilities as the course representative for Aerospace Dynamics.

But I’ve also learned that growth happens outside the classroom, too:

• Networking: The scholarship has allowed me to connect with fellow scholars, broadening my perspective through shared stories of innovation.
• The stars above: I recently joined the Astronomy Club and received training to use the telescope at the Loxham Observatory—a refreshing way to stay inspired by the very skies I study.
• Community: From the exceptional support of the Student Funding Team to the diverse friends I’ve met on campus, I’ve felt at home since day one.

Looking toward the horizon

My time here is preparing me for my ultimate goal: a career in academia. With the skills I’m gaining in Ansys, MATLAB, and experimental research, I plan to pursue a PhD and eventually move into teaching. I want to contribute to the future of aerodynamics while mentoring the next generation of engineers, just as my professors here have mentored me.

My advice to future aerospace students? Step out of your comfort zone. Aerospace is challenging, and it’s okay not to understand everything immediately. Be patient, stay consistent, and never hesitate to ask for help. Most importantly, find hobbies that make you happy—whether that’s stargazing or, like me, trying to predict the plot twists in a mystery novel!

“Never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. I would also encourage future students to pursue hobbies and interests outside aerospace, as the time spent at the university should be a complete experience that helps you grow as a person, not just academically. This is why I believe students should try to interact with each other as much as possible so they can have a rich and fuller experience.”

Cranfield hasn’t just given me a degree; it has given me the confidence to make my dreams possible. I am incredibly grateful to the donors and the university for believing in my journey.