Oleksandra Zaitseva (International Business Law LLM, 2025)
Tell us about your background and you did before your studies at Centre for Commercial Law Studies?
My name is Oleksandra and prior to coming to CCLS, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in law in Ukraine and spent my final year on a six-month Erasmus program in Germany. After graduation, I focused on gaining practical experience through an internship at a local law firm, volunteered with various organizations around the world, and worked intensively on improving my English skills to prepare for international studies.
Why did you choose to study at CCLS?
When I decided to pursue postgraduate studies, Queen Mary University of London immediately stood out. Known for its strong reputation in law, Queen Mary offered the exact program I was looking for, with a wide range of modules available. A unique draw for me was qLegal, a law clinic that provides postgraduate students with practical, pro bono experience. Being part of this program was important to me, so when I found out I had received the Mishcon de Reya scholarship, I was overjoyed. With so many applicants, I had not expected to be chosen and receiving that acceptance letter in August felt surreal. My family and I celebrated together — this scholarship made my studies possible.
How were things before you received the Mishcon de Reya Scholarship funding?
Before receiving the scholarship, I had nearly given up hope of studying abroad, as my family could not afford the high fees. As an international student, I am only permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, which would not have been enough to support my living and tuition costs. This scholarship lifted that financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and volunteer work rather than working excessive hours just to make ends meet. Now, I can devote time to qLegal and am excited to volunteer with the Future of Law Program, where I will collaborate with students from different fields on legal projects. Without this support, I simply would not have had the freedom to fully engage in these invaluable experiences.
Do you think financial worries weigh heavily on students?
The financial pressures on international students are intense, and I know firsthand how scholarships like this one provide much-needed assistance. This scholarship has not only given me the freedom to study but has also connected me with a network of professionals. Recently, I met with the Mishcon de Reya team to thank them in person, and it was an incredible opportunity to get to know such a welcoming and professional group of people who made my studies here possible.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking to the future, my dream is to qualify in the UK and build a career here, gaining experience that will allow me to collaborate with companies in Ukraine and Germany. Coming from a small town in Ukraine, I have seen the impacts of a large wealth gap and aspire to bring positive change to Ukraine’s business, legal, and social landscape. Studying abroad has inspired me to pursue business and corporate law to help create more equitable conditions. I plan to pass the necessary exams to become a solicitor and am excited about the potential to drive meaningful change in Ukraine while working towards effective cooperation between my home country and the UK.
To those who made this scholarship possible, I am incredibly grateful. This support is a life-changing opportunity and a vital stepping stone for my career. Thank you for giving students like me the chance to pursue their dreams — I hope many others will be able to benefit from this kind of generosity.
How you can donate to support future students
Your contribution, regardless of its size, and when combined with the generosity of others, will provide life-changing opportunities for future CCLS students. You can also sign up for regular giving to support CCLS regularly.