How Arman earned a fully funded PhD opportunity with a low CGPA

Sketch: TBS

Every year, thousands of students abandon their dreams of pursuing higher studies abroad even before submitting an application. Having a disappointing CGPA on their transcripts, they quietly convince themselves that the answer will always be no.

Especially in Bangladesh, a transcript is often treated as the ultimate measure of a student's potential. But what it cannot capture is curiosity. It cannot show the hours spent learning beyond the classroom, the failed experiments that sharpen critical thinking, or the resilience built through rejection and persistence.

Arman Sykot, a North South University graduate, chose not to let his grades define the outcome of his journey.

Today, he is working at Korea University's Experimental Quantum Research Laboratory as a fully funded PhD student, where he conducts research in quantum computation using spin qubits. His tuition fees are covered through his supervisor's research grants and Korea University's BK21 programme.

"I have always been curious about nature and how the universe works, and that curiosity naturally led me towards physics," he said.

Even before research papers, lab experiments and PhD offers entered the picture, Arman was simply a student spellbound by science. Growing up, he studied at several institutions, including Sirajganj Collectorate School and College, Rainbow International School, RM Academy in Pabna, and later Dhaka City College, before enrolling in North South University's Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).

For Arman, choosing CSE was a reasoned decision. The area offered broader career opportunities, yet his enthusiasm for physics never disappeared. Instead, it was at university that he discovered a path where both interests could flourish side by side.

"Studying CSE helped me build strong analytical and technical skills while keeping my interest in physics alive. Eventually, it led me towards interdisciplinary fields that combine computing and quantum science," he explained.

From coding to quantum science

Arman's early university years revolved around coding rather than research. Competitive programming became more than an ECA; it trained him to think logically, approach problems systematically and remain patient when solutions did not come easily.

Only later did he realise that those skills would become invaluable in his research journey.

"The NSU Programming Society competitive programming community played a crucial role in developing my problem-solving skills and shaping my university experience."

It wasn't until his final year that a new path revealed itself.

"I never saw my CGPA as a gap that needed to be filled. Instead of worrying about it, I focused on the things I was genuinely interested in and passionate about. I kept learning, building my skills, and pursuing research in my own way."

Arman Sykot

His undergraduate thesis introduced him to research under the supervision of Dr Mahdy Rahman Chowdhury, a turning point that transformed his academic interests. What started as a thesis project gradually became something much larger.

"My interest in research gradually developed during my final year because of my thesis supervisor, Dr Mahdy Rahman Chowdhury, who continuously encouraged me to pursue research."

More importantly, the project marked the beginning of his journey into a field that would shape his academic and professional ambitions.

"My introduction to quantum physics came through my undergraduate thesis project. Working on that project exposed me to the fascinating and often counterintuitive behaviour of the quantum world. The more I learned about it, the more interested I became, and that curiosity eventually grew into a passion."

For Arman, quantum physics wasn't simply another research topic. It became the meeting point between his two greatest interests: computer science and understanding how nature works. That curiosity eventually led him to spend 14 months working as a research assistant.

Grades are just one piece of the puzzle

For many students, a lower CGPA is treated as a gap that must be explained, balanced out or hidden behind certificates and ECAs. Arman chose a different approach. Graduating with a CGPA of 2.57, he knew the number would raise questions.

Instead of asking how he could compensate for his grades, he focused on becoming a better researcher. He continued sharpening his technical skills, immersed himself in research projects and spent more than a year working as a research assistant.

"I never saw my CGPA as a gap that needed to be filled. Instead of worrying about it, I focused on the things I was genuinely interested in and passionate about. I kept learning, building my skills and pursuing research in my own way."

His research profile gradually became stronger. Publications followed. So did new opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow. His work began speaking for itself.

Knocking on a hundred doors

Building the profile was one challenge. Finding someone who was willing to believe in it was another.

Unlike undergraduate admissions, many research-oriented PhD opportunities begin long before an official application is submitted. Students often have to contact professors directly, introduce their work, explain their interests and hope someone sees potential in a stranger's email.

For Arman, that meant writing emails after emails — carefully organised and thoughtfully written.

"I probably emailed around 100 professors or even more. Most of the emails received no response, while only a few professors sent direct rejections. In the end, I received four or five positive replies, and one of them led to this opportunity."

The opportunity came through Professor Donghun Lee at Korea University, whose research aligned closely with Arman's growing interest in quantum information science.

He was offered full financial support through his supervisor's research grant and the university's BK21 programme. This covers his tuition, provides a monthly stipend and helps pay for his accommodation and living expenses.

Beyond the PhD offer

Success stories often draw us to focus on the ending — the admission letter, the scholarship or the university name. Studying in South Korea was never the destination he chased. It became the result of years spent following his curiosity, developing his skills and remaining consistent even when progress felt slow.

Programming, mathematics, research methodology, scientific writing and reading academic papers are all skills that can be developed during undergraduate years. Equally important is learning how to ask meaningful questions instead of simply searching for correct answers.

The publications, scholarships and opportunities, he suggests, often come later.

"Studying abroad should never be the ultimate goal. It is only one possible part of the journey. The real goal should be becoming someone capable of contributing meaningful research and continuously learning."

Perhaps that is why his story resonates beyond a single admission offer. His transcript still records a 2.57 CGPA. But Arman made sure that it tells only part of the story.