The UCAS International Podcast: Scholarships and budgeting
This episode features Catriona McCarthy and Arya Nur Güneş discussing something all students, international or otherwise, worry about – finance. Find out how to budget effectively, the extra payments and outgoing international students face, as well as a brief overview of scholarships and how to find them.

Arya Nur Güneş
Arya Gunes is currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor's Degree with Honours at the Royal Academy of Music, specialising in classical cello performance.
She has performed in many concerts and masterclasses around Europe and is a prizewinner in numerous cello competitions.
Also a first-year Business Administration student in the National Distance Education University of Spain, Arya is a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador at UKCISA and a member of the Student Minds Neurodivergent Steering Group.

Catriona McCarthy
Catriona is the British Council's Global Head of Student Mobility and Internationalisation of UK Education, leading on three of the British Council's six global programmes within Education. She joined the British Council having spent more than two decades leading on global strategies, engagement, and operations within the HE sector.
During that time, she also served as Vice Chair and then Chair of the British Universities International Liaison Association, and was the organisation's first Chair to come from one of the devolved nations.
Catriona has served as a member of both the UCAS International Advisory Group and of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) Strategic Advisory Committee. She is also a Non-Exec Director at Ireland’s largest overseas aid charity, and is a member of the Visit Belfast Ambassador Circle Steering Group.
Other episodes
This debut series covers the fundamental questions every international student faces. We explore what makes the UK such an attractive study destination, dive into the practicalities of funding your education through scholarships and smart budgeting, and give you an insider's view of what student life really looks like.
We'll also examine the exciting alumni networks and career opportunities available to graduates, and explain the graduate visa system and job market to help you plan your future beyond university.
In this series, we tackle the key decisions and practical steps you'll need to take on your journey to studying in the UK – from exploring your options and applying, to relocating and finding your feet. We'll guide you through the research process to help you identify the perfect courses and universities that align with your ambitions.
You'll learn how to navigate the application system effectively, understand Clearing and Extra, discover support networks and get essential advice on the practicalities of moving to the UK.

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