Celebrating international students at the University of Edinburgh

International Students’ Day 

This year, the day highlights the journeys of students like Tracy Ahumuza, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from Uganda, and exchange student Muthukrishnan Perumal from Singapore, as well as offering an exciting platform for students to express their creativity through the 2024 Edinburgh Global Student Photography Competition.  

Here’s a closer look at these stories and the photography competition, which reflects the unique and vibrant international student community that makes Edinburgh a global hub for learning. 

Tracy Ahumuza’s journey to the University of Edinburgh is one of empowerment and purpose. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Tracy pursued a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, aiming to strengthen her leadership skills and expand her impact through her non-profit, ATTA Breastmilk Community. The non-profit addresses maternal mental health and newborn health challenges in Uganda, a cause close to Tracy’s heart. 

Tracy reflects on how the University has transformed her both academically and personally: “Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh has been a journey of growth and discovery. The experiences have broadened my global perspective, strengthened my leadership skills, and deepened my commitment to tackling maternal and newborn health challenges.” 

Tracy envisions a future where breast milk banking is as common as blood donation across Africa, improving neonatal survival rates and addressing maternal mental health. The opportunity to study in Edinburgh has been instrumental in helping her lay the foundation for this ambitious vision. 

Read Tracy’s story 

Muthukrishnan Perumal’s path to the University of Edinburgh began with his desire to explore new cultures and deepen his knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of informatics. Originally from Singapore, Muthukrishnan joined the University as part of an exchange program while completing his degree at Singapore Management University (SMU). 

"At Edinburgh, you get to choose your own research question and dive deep into both primary and secondary research," Muthukrishnan shares. The flexibility of the university’s academic structure allowed him to explore his interests in AI, ethics, and technology’s role in shaping society. Edinburgh’s leading-edge Informatics Department offered him the perfect environment to challenge himself and gain hands-on experience with pressing global issues, such as the ethics of facial recognition technology. 

Living in Edinburgh has also allowed Muthukrishnan to explore Scottish culture, participate in local festivals, and introduce his peers to the richness of his own culture, such as the celebrations of Chinese New Year. "It’s been an enriching experience learning from others and sharing my background," he says. The blend of academic flexibility, cultural immersion, and international student support has made his time at Edinburgh truly memorable. 

Read about Muthukrishnan’s experience as an exchange student 

The 2024 Edinburgh Global Student Photography Competition 

The International Students’ Day celebrations also coincide with the launch of the 2024 Edinburgh Global Student Photography Competition.  

The theme, "Edinburgh in Focus," invites international students to highlight their unique connections to the city through photography. Whether capturing a stunning view of Edinburgh’s green spaces, an iconic building, or a cherished memory, each photograph is a reflection of how the city influences students’ lives and experiences. 

The competition features five categories: