For 19-year-old Yeshmee Dwarka, years of hard work, academic achievement and involvement in youth initiatives have now opened the door to one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities. The Queen Elizabeth College student has been named the 2026 laureate of the MCB Foundation Scholarship, after ranking fourth nationally in the Economics stream. She becomes the 37th young Mauritian to receive the scholarship, which supports talented students in pursuing higher education at leading universities overseas.The official award ceremony and signing of the scholarship documents took place on Wednesday, September 2, at the MCB Centre in Port Louis, in the presence of Education Minister Dr Mahend Gungapersad.
From academic success to leadership
Yeshmee’s achievements extend beyond her examination results.She took part in the Global Curriculum Orbit and Innoved competitions in 2022 and went on to chair both zonal and national Model United Nations conferences in 2024. Her involvement in these activities reflects a balance between academic performance, leadership and a willingness to take part in initiatives beyond the classroom.That combination is also at the heart of the MCB Foundation Scholarship, which has for decades supported young Mauritians with strong academic records and the potential to make a wider contribution to society.
A passion for accounting and finance
Yeshmee will be heading to Durham University in the UK, where she will study accounting and finance. For her, the decision to pursue the subject was a natural one. “Accounting is the subject I am most passionate about.” she said, adding that being ranked among the country’s top students in the field encouraged her to continue in the same direction. But getting to this point was not without its challenges. Like many students facing demanding academic schedules, Yeshmee said she had to learn how to manage the pressure while also making time for herself. “The most important thing was undoubtedly managing the feeling of guilt whenever I did anything other than study,” Yeshmee said. She eventually realised that looking after her own wellbeing was just as important. Taking walks, spending time talking to close friends and watching her favourite comfort series became ways for her to step away from the pressure, particularly during examination periods.
Her advice to other young people is simple: “Make yourself a priority and give your best in your studies, because the choices you make today will shape your future.”
Nearly four decades of scholarships
The MCB Foundation Scholarship was established in 1988 and has since supported 37 Mauritian students in pursuing higher education at some of the world’s top universities. Of the 33 former scholars who have already graduated, 60.6 per cent are currently working overseas, while 39.4 per cent have returned to Mauritius and are contributing their skills to the country’s development. Four former scholarship recipients are also now working within the MCB Group. The UK has remained the most popular destination, accounting for 85.7 per cent of scholarship recipients. Past scholars have studied at institutions including the London School of Economics, the University of Warwick and University College London. Others have continued their studies in Australia and Canada.
Investing in Mauritius’ young talent
Jay Nirsimloo, Chairperson of MCB Group, said the scholarship remains an important part of the group’s history. “The MCB Foundation Scholarship, established in 1988, holds a very special place in our history,” he said.For MCB, the programme is intended to be about more than academic results. Nirsimloo said it reflects the group’s wider commitment to making a positive impact on individuals, communities and Mauritius.He pointed to initiatives such as Deba Klima, the Spelling Bee competition, Science Quest and the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Young Investor Award as examples of programmes aimed at encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and leadership among young people. “Our goal remains the same: to help young people develop the skills, self-confidence, and perspectives they need to make a meaningful contribution to shaping the Mauritius of tomorrow.”
For Yeshmee, the next chapter will now take her to Durham, where she will begin her university studies in accounting and finance.
