Pursuing a Masters degree as a working-class student sometimes feels like turning up to a black-tie event in a hoodie; you know you belong there, but the system wasn’t exactly designed with you in mind. I knew I had the passion, the drive, and the vision. What I didn’t have was the financial freedom to act on it. That’s where the Aziz Foundation stepped in. Not just as a funder but as a force that believed in my story before the world ever would.
The Aziz Foundation doesn’t just offer scholarships; it opens doors, challenges systems, and says, “We believe in you” when it matters most. I first came across the Aziz Foundation while researching funding options for my Masters in Creative Writing. I wasn’t just looking for a cheque. I was looking for something that aligned with my values, something that recognised the power of representation, storytelling, and purpose-driven work. The Aziz Foundation did precisely that.
Their focus is on British Muslims who want to make a meaningful contribution to public life. What stood out to me when applying was the Aziz Foundation’s commitment to uplifting voices that are often marginalised in politics, media, and the arts. It was clear that this wasn’t charity. It was an investment in people, in purpose, and in potential.
At the time, I was balancing undergraduate studies in Policy, Politics and Economics with a side hustle in storytelling as an actor and writer. My dream was to challenge how Muslims are represented in literature and film. My reality? Limited time, stretched finances, and the looming fear that passion might not be enough. The Aziz Foundation’s scholarship gave me something I had never fully had before: the time and freedom to develop my craft without compromise.
The application process was refreshingly human. Rather than reducing me to grades and percentages, the Foundation wanted to know what made me tick, what change I wanted to make, why it mattered, and how they could support it. Writing the personal statement felt less like a pitch and more like a manifesto. And being selected? That was the first time I truly felt seen for who I was and what I stood for.
But the funding is just the beginning. One of the biggest unexpected joys has been the community. The Aziz Foundation network is full of passionate, driven individuals doing extraordinary things in law, journalism, education, the arts and beyond. I’ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends who are just as committed to changing the narrative as I am. Their support and insights have not only enriched my academic experience but have also sharpened my sense of purpose. Being part of this community means you’re never walking alone; you’re walking alongside people who care just as deeply about justice, creativity, and public service.
For those considering applying, my advice is simple: be honest, be bold, and be specific about the change you want to make. The Aziz Foundation isn’t looking for perfection; it’s looking for passion and purpose. If you’re someone who wants to give back, speak up, or lead — whether through policy, journalism, law, the arts, or any other public-facing field — this is an opportunity that can help you get there.
The scholarship has given me more than just a spot in a lecture theatre. It’s given me space. Space to breathe, create, and grow. It’s helped me focus on what I love without compromising my values or financial stability. And perhaps most importantly, it’s reminded me that my voice matters. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.