An undergraduate student from Kent Law School (KLS) has secured a prestigious postgraduate scholarship to one of America’s top law schools.
Amaka Agbandje-Boyce will study at Indiana University Maurer School of Law after winning a Fulbright Postgraduate Student Award. She will become one of only 40-50 new ‘highly qualified’ graduate students admitted to the LLM programme.
Her scholarship comprises of a full tuition waiver and mandatory fee waiver, which includes health, sports and travel across the city of Bloomington and campus. As a Fulbright scholar, Amaka will also receive administrative support and a cultural education programme including visa support, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities while abroad, a re-entry session and access to a global alumni network.
Amaka was selected for the award after a rigorous application and interview process, assessing her academic excellence, cultural curiosity, and leadership qualities. When selecting scholars, the US-UK Fulbright Commission also looks for evidence of a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright mission and a plan to give back to the UK upon returning.
Amaka said: ‘I’ve heard of students reapplying year after year for this scholarship, so I was amazed when I heard I had been even longlisted for an interview, let alone shortlisted, then granted the award. Receiving the scholarship – and knowing that others have recognised my abilities and potential – has boosted my academic self-confidence and has given me even more confidence to pursue a career as a lawyer.’
After completing her LLM in American Law with Bar exam specialisation – and in order to comply with the spirit of the Fulbright Commission (and her J1 visa) – Amaka will return to the UK after she completes her programme. She hopes to begin her studies on a Bar course, be called to the Bar and secure pupillage. After at least two years have elapsed, Amaka will have the option to return to America to sit the Bar exam and qualify to practice as an Attorney at Law in certain US states (including California and New York). Compelled by her need to use her knowledge and experience to help others, Amaka hopes to specialise in an area of law that features a very strong human and emotional element that will allow her to fulfil her role as a ‘legal linguist’.
Darren Weir, Director of Lawyering Skills at KLS, said: ‘This is an amazing achievement for Amaka. It has given me immense pleasure to see her grow during her three years at Kent Law School. I first met her when she was a first-year law student and she auditioned to be a witness in our mock trials. By taking all the opportunities we offer on our Lawyering Skills Programme, she has gone on to be an outstanding and articulate advocate who has shared that experience with her fellow students through the Kent Temple Student Law Society. She is an inspirational role model and I wish her all the success in the World.’
Awarded by the US-UK Fulbright Commission, the Fulbright Postgraduate Awards provide the only scholarships available for academic work in any graduate programme at any accredited US university.