A University of Bradford student is hoping to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in technology after receiving a scholarship supported by the University’s Chancellor, broadcaster Anita Rani.
Anum Ayub, 22, a second-year Computer Science student, is among the latest recipients of the Rani Scholarship – a programme designed to support women who may not otherwise be able to access higher education, particularly in subjects where women remain under-represented.
Originally from Pakistan, Ayub is the first in her family to attend university.
After moving to the UK in 2019, she learned English by watching Horrid Henry cartoons and relied on online resources to study for her GCSEs.
She says the scholarship has been life-changing.
“The scholarship has had a really big impact on my life. It’s opened doors and new opportunities for me,” she said.
“It gives me independence and motivation to face my studies.”
Anum hopes to use her experience to encourage other young women from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in technology. “I want to give back to the community in a positive way,” she said.
“I want to encourage other young women that they can have a career in tech and achieve their goals. They just need to get out there and ask for help.”
Launched in the 2024-25 academic year and now returning for its third year, the Rani Scholarship is supported in part by TechnologyOne, a London-based software company working across government, business and education.
The scholarship offers financial support through bursaries, tuition fee reductions and cost-of-living help for students facing the greatest barriers, including refugees and asylum seekers, disabled students, care leavers, and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
For Anum, the impact is personal – and powerful.
“When I found out I had received the scholarship, I was really happy and emotional,” she said. “It has been incredibly empowering to be truly seen and valued as someone with potential.”
