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MyAPA | October 2026 | Academic Careers

Securing a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom can be a significant step towards an international academic career. Dr Ural Arslangulov, Lecturer and Deputy MBA Programme Leader at the University of Sunderland in London, shares his personal experience of obtaining a doctoral scholarship and offers practical advice for prospective PhD applicants.

Dr Arslangulov completed his PhD in Business Management at Nottingham Trent University in 2023, specialising in strategic management and sustainability. His academic journey demonstrates how identifying the right research opportunity, preparing a strong application and engaging with potential supervisors can lead to doctoral funding.

Finding the Right PhD Opportunity

Dr Arslangulov began his search for doctoral funding through FindAPhD, an online platform advertising PhD opportunities and scholarships at universities across the UK.

After identifying a suitable opportunity, he went through the university’s selection process, including interviews, and successfully secured a doctoral scholarship.

One of his key recommendations is to contact a potential academic supervisor before preparing a full research proposal. Early communication can help applicants understand the supervisor’s research interests, assess whether their proposed topic is a good fit and develop a more focused application.

His experience also highlights the importance of researching available funding opportunities and preparing carefully for interviews, where applicants may be expected to demonstrate their academic motivation, research interests and suitability for the programme.

From PhD Scholarship to Academic Career

Following the completion of his doctorate in 2023, Dr Arslangulov continued his academic career and now works as a Lecturer and Deputy MBA Programme Leader at the University of Sunderland in London.

His journey offers a valuable example for international researchers considering doctoral study in the UK, particularly those seeking funded opportunities and long-term academic development.

At MyAPA, we aim to make international academic opportunities more accessible by sharing real experiences from researchers and university professionals working in the United Kingdom.

Dr Arslangulov’s story provides practical insight into the PhD application process and the opportunities that doctoral education can create.

Learn more about Dr Arslangulov’s academic background and research on LinkedIn.

9 October 2026 | Loughborough University, United Kingdom

MyAPA facilitated an academic visit to Loughborough University, bringing together researchers from Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom to explore potential collaboration in smart textiles, artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies.

During the visit, Dr Gulshat Amirkhanova, PhD, Research Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, met with Professor Ishara Dharmasena of Loughborough University, whose research includes smart textiles and wearable technologies.

Dr Amirkhanova presented her research project focused on developing an intelligent system for monitoring and preventing cardiovascular diseases using deep learning and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).

The project explores how artificial intelligence can analyse health data collected through connected medical devices to identify potential risks and support early intervention.

The researchers discussed opportunities to integrate this approach with Professor Dharmasena’s work on smart textile technologies, including sensors capable of harvesting energy from human movement and collecting physiological data.

Combining wearable sensors with AI-powered analytical systems could contribute to the development of innovative solutions for continuous health monitoring and cardiovascular disease prevention.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore potential joint research projects, academic publications and knowledge exchange between the two universities.

The visit was organised by MyAPA, which supports researchers from Kazakhstan in establishing academic connections with UK universities, arranging research visits and developing opportunities for international scientific collaboration.

Through initiatives like this, MyAPA continues to strengthen academic links between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

Alfiya Zakimova, Dean of the Business School at D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, has successfully completed a nine-month research fellowship at Loughborough Business School in the UK.

Alfiya was awarded a scholarship under Kazakhstan’s Bolashak Programme, as part of the “500 Scientists” research fellowship initiative, which enabled her to undertake her research placement at one of the UK’s leading universities.

Her research focused on “The Entrepreneurial Potential of Engineering Students.” During her nine months at Loughborough University, Alfiya explored the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, its engagement with industry, and international best practices that can be adapted and applied within Kazakhstan’s higher education system.

At the end of the fellowship, Alfiya received a certificate confirming the successful completion of her programme.

MyAPA congratulates Alfiya on successfully completing her research fellowship and wishes her continued success in her academic and professional work.

Medical professionals from Kazakhstan have successfully completed a six-month professional internship at the University of Lancashire, UK, as part of the Bolashak International Scholarship Programme.

The participants represented different fields of medicine and came to the UK to develop their professional knowledge, gain international experience and learn more about British approaches to healthcare and medical education.

Over the six-month programme, they took part in a combination of theoretical learning and practical professional activities. This gave them the opportunity to strengthen their specialist knowledge, develop practical skills, exchange experience with UK and international colleagues, and gain new perspectives that can be applied in their professional work in Kazakhstan.

At the end of the programme, the medical professionals were awarded certificates recognising the successful completion of their six-month internship.

Their time in the UK also provided a valuable opportunity to experience the British academic and professional environment, build international connections and gain a broader understanding of healthcare education and professional practice in the UK.

MY APA supports professionals from Kazakhstan who are interested in studying or undertaking professional internships in the UK — from selecting a suitable university and programme to securing an invitation and providing support throughout the process.

We congratulate all the medical professionals on successfully completing their six-month internship and wish them continued success in their careers!

On 29 July, with the support of MyAPA, the University of Nottingham hosted an academic and research meeting bringing together representatives of the research and academic communities of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

The visit focused on exploring the University’s research infrastructure, exchanging academic and technical expertise, and identifying opportunities for future research collaboration, academic exchange and joint international initiatives.

The programme took place at the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute at the University of Nottingham, where participants were introduced to advanced research facilities and ongoing work in power electronics, electrical machines, drive systems and related engineering technologies.

Participants

Representatives from Kazakhstan included Amangeldy Karmanov, Head of the Department of Thermal Power Engineering at Toraighyrov University, and Ainur Begimbetova, Acting Director, International University of Anhalt.

The academic discussions also included Arman Mazhikeyev, researcher at Loughborough University, UK.

From the University of Nottingham, participants included Maria Pia Ciano, Assistant Professor in Operations Management at Nottingham University Business School, and Fengyu Zhang, Principal Research Fellow specialising in thermal management for electrical drive systems, together with other members of the University’s research community involved in the academic coordination of the visit.

A representative of Fraunhofer also contributed to the research discussions during the programme.

Exploring the PEMC Research Facilities

The programme began with a visit to the PEMC/HPS laboratories, providing participants with first-hand insight into the University of Nottingham’s research infrastructure, specialist facilities and current technological developments.

During the laboratory visit, participants discussed research and innovation in areas including:

• electrical drives;
• power electronics and electrical machines;
• modelling and testing of engineering systems;
• alternative fuels;
• sustainable energy technologies;
• digital technologies.

The visit enabled participants to explore the laboratory facilities and discuss the potential application of advanced engineering solutions in both academic research and industrial contexts.

Exchange of Research Expertise

Following the laboratory tour, participants took part in an academic working session where they presented their current research interests, projects and areas of expertise.

Representatives from Kazakhstan shared their research priorities and academic activities, while researchers from the University of Nottingham presented their current work and specialist capabilities.

The exchange helped identify areas of shared interest and opportunities where the expertise of participating researchers and institutions could complement one another.

Future Areas of Collaboration

A significant part of the programme was dedicated to discussing potential areas for future collaboration.

Particular attention was given to:

• artificial intelligence and digital twins;
• sustainable energy and alternative fuels;
• electrical drives and advanced energy systems;
• supply chain management and the circular economy;
• joint research projects;
• academic exchanges;
• international research initiatives;
• research placements for academic staff and PhD researchers.

The discussions demonstrated a shared interest in developing longer-term collaboration through joint research, knowledge exchange, academic mobility and future international projects.

Building Foundations for Future Research Partnerships

Academic and research visits of this kind play an important role in strengthening international cooperation. They provide researchers with an opportunity to gain direct insight into the expertise and facilities of partner institutions while enabling focused discussions around future joint initiatives.

With the support of MyAPA, the meeting at the University of Nottingham created a platform for direct academic dialogue between researchers connected with Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom, helping to establish new professional links and identify practical opportunities for future cooperation.

The visit laid the groundwork for further knowledge exchange and potential collaborative initiatives in areas including energy, engineering systems, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and sustainable development.

MyAPA will continue to support international academic engagement and research partnerships, helping researchers and universities from Kazakhstan develop meaningful and sustainable connections with the UK academic community.

On 27 July, the UK–Kazakhstan Academic and Professional Networking Event, organised by MyAPA, took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in London. The event brought together academics, researchers and industry experts from the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan to develop new international partnerships and explore opportunities for collaborative projects.

The event focused on areas that are increasingly shaping the future of science, technology and industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), sustainable development, and modern approaches to researcher training and development.

The main objective of the event was to create a practical platform where representatives of both countries could not only exchange professional expertise but also identify concrete opportunities for future collaboration.

From Professional Dialogue to Collaborative Projects

The programme of the UK–Kazakhstan Academic and Professional Networking Event combined expert presentations with practical group work.

Participants from the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan worked in mixed teams to discuss potential collaborative projects, possible sources of funding, and mechanisms for developing long-term international cooperation.

This format enabled the discussion to move beyond the general exchange of ideas towards identifying potential areas that could be developed into practical initiatives.

Particular attention was given to opportunities for combining the academic expertise of universities with the practical needs of industry and the technology sector.

Key Areas for Collaboration

Following the discussions, participants identified several promising areas for further joint work:

• the development and application of Digital Twin technologies in industry;
• participation in international research projects and exploration of funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe;
• the development of researcher training and professional development programmes;
• projects focused on sustainable supply chain management;
• technologies and solutions for water reuse;
• initiatives in waste recycling and sustainable industrial development.

The areas identified reflect the growing potential for collaboration between British and Kazakh universities, researchers and industry representatives.

An International Academic Network as a Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration

For MyAPA, the event formed part of its broader work to strengthen educational and professional links between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

Based in the UK and actively engaged with the British academic and professional environment, MyAPA aims to create opportunities for direct dialogue between universities, researchers, professionals and organisations from both countries.

Events of this kind are particularly important for building professional relationships that can subsequently lead to joint research, educational programmes, international funding applications and new institutional partnerships.

Appreciation to Participants and Partners

MyAPA would like to thank all speakers and experts who took part in the event for their insightful presentations, professional expertise and valuable contribution to the discussions.

The MyAPA team would also like to express its special gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom for its hospitality, support for the initiative, and contribution to strengthening professional and academic ties between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

The UK–Kazakhstan Academic and Professional Networking Event demonstrated strong interest in further collaboration between representatives of the two countries. The next important step will be to build on the connections established during the event and transform the initiatives discussed into concrete collaborative projects.

MyAPA will continue to create platforms and opportunities that bring together education, research and professional communities in Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.