As a postgraduate student, I know firsthand the challenges we face—financial struggles, lack of internships, and time pressures. I’m running for Postgraduate Officer because we deserve better support, genuine opportunities, and a more connected community.
MOHAMMAD KASHIF ZAFAR for POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
Why I’m Running
As a postgraduate student, I know firsthand the challenges we face—financial struggles, lack of internships, and time pressures. I’m running for Postgraduate Officer because we deserve better support, genuine opportunities, and a more connected community.
I’m committed to bringing real solutions to real problems that matter to us.
About Me & What I Bring to the Role
📌 MSc Construction Project Management student at Queen’s University Belfast.
📌 Serving as Postgraduate School Representative & SU Council Representative – actively advocating for student rights.
📌 Leadership experience & proven track record in driving change and supporting peers.
📌 Passionate about enhancing the postgraduate experience for all students, both local and international.
My Aims: What I Will Deliver for You
1) Increase Postgraduate Loan To At Least Cover Full Tuition
The current NI postgraduate loan of £6,500 doesn’t even cover the basic tuition fee of £7,300. This financial gap makes it extremely challenging for students, especially with rising living costs.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Push for the loan amount to increase to at least £7,300, covering full tuition fees.
- Work with university officials and policymakers to ensure fair financial support for postgrads.
2)Increase Paid Internships & Job Opportunities for Postgrads
Postgrad students work tirelessly, balancing studies and part-time jobs, yet many still graduate without internships or job offers, creating damaging career gaps.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Partner with Queen’s Career Services & local businesses to increase paid internship options.
- Ensures that every postgraduate student has a fair shot at gaining valuable work experience before graduation.
- Reduces career gaps and improves job prospects significantly.
3) Improve Transport: Bus Services Within Campus & Across Accommodations
With just a one-year Master’s program, our time is incredibly valuable. Balancing studies and part-time work means every minute counts, yet we lack adequate bus services to commute within campus and from accommodation.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Advocate for regular, reliable shuttle services between student accommodations and campus buildings to save valuable time.
- Push for a dedicated inter-campus bus service to help postgrads move quickly between departments.
4) Postgrad Buddy System – Helping You Settle In
Starting postgraduate life can be overwhelming, especially in a new city or country. Knowing the tips and tricks to settle in quickly can save a lot of time and stress.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Pair new postgrad students with experienced postgrads to guide them from pre-arrival to settling in Belfast.
- Set up an online community for real-time support & guidance.
- Buddies will be rewarded for their time
5)Encouraging Postgrads to Engage in Hobbies & Extracurriculars
Intense coursework leaves little time for personal growth outside academics, leading to burnout and lack of engagement in university life.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Ensure postgrad-friendly club events that fit around academic schedules.
- Work with the Students’ Union to organize short, flexible extracurricular activities.
- Prioritize student well-being & work-life balance by making engagement more accessible.
6) Lowering University Accommodation Costs
University accommodations are often highly priced, making it difficult for postgrads to afford, especially when cheaper, better options exist outside campus. With tuition fees and living costs already high, this adds more financial pressure.
✅ What I’ll Do:
- Work with the university to reduce accommodation fees or provide scholarships for postgrad students.
- Ensure that university housing offers value for money compared to private options.
Vote for Real Change!
Postgraduate students deserve better support, financial relief, career opportunities, and fair accommodation costs.
🗳 Vote Mohammad Kashif Zafar as your Postgraduate Officer!
📅 Voting is open from March 3 - 6 – Let’s make postgrad life better at Queen’s!
💡 I’m here to deliver real solutions for real problems. Let’s make a difference together!