Meet Ishak
Computer Science PhD
About Ishak
I’m a PhD student from Indonesia, studying Computer Science. Before coming to Newcastle, I studied at Heriot-Watt University.
I chose to study in the UK because of the education system and the consistent quality across universities. This made it an attractive option for continuing my studies at postgraduate level.
Why I chose Newcastle University
One of the main reasons I chose Newcastle University was that the English language requirements for international students, particularly in the School of Computing, were achievable for me coming from a non-English speaking country.
I also had the opportunity to speak with my potential supervisor early on through an informal virtual meeting. The support I received from the beginning was very positive, which helped confirm my decision to apply.
The support I received from the beginning was very positive, which helped confirm my decision to apply.
Studying in Newcastle
What I like most about Newcastle is the quietness. Although it is one of the bigger cities in the UK, the area where I live offers a quieter environment, which makes it a comfortable place to focus on my studies while still being close to the University. The city itself has been a good experience overall.
In terms of support, I have mainly accessed help through the School office. There are workshops and research-related support available, including things like research budgets for PhD students. My overall experience has been that people at the University are helpful and supportive.
About my degree
My degree is a PhD in Computer Science, and it offers a strong environment for research in a cutting-edge domain.
One of the things that stands out is the flexibility in developing research. It is not too narrow at the beginning of the PGR journey, which allows for some expansion as the research progresses.
I also value the supportive environment for carrying out research. Simply put, it is a high-quality programme.
Funding and application experience
I received full funding from the Indonesian Government through the LPDP Scholarship, which supports both my studies and living costs.
The application process went well. I first contacted a potential supervisor to discuss my research interests. After that, I was invited to apply for a specific self-funded project they were offering.
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