19.12.2025
Wise encourages women to build their future in technology: two female students received scholarships
Technology company Wise has recognized two female students from the Institute of Computer Science – Ayesha Ateeq Burney and Kaily-Ann Kiuru – with scholarships. The support aims to improve the gender balance in the technology sector and encourage more and more women to work in this field.
The Wise scholarship supports talented students at the University of Tartu. The scholarship, which has been awarded in cooperation with the University of Tartu Foundation from 2023, will contribute to the growth of the next generation and the formation of a more diverse and inclusive technology community in Estonia.
Ayesha Ateeq Burney, a first-year student of the master's degree in Software Engineering who received the scholarship, is from Pakistan, where she also obtained her bachelor's degree. As the first woman in her family to receive a higher education, she wants to inspire all young women to strive for their dreams. She is a mentor for the Women in Computer Science Association at her previous institute, and thus strives to guide women to see computer science as an accessible and influential field. The evaluation committee of the scholarship found her application inspiring and her achievements outstanding.
Burney sees the scholarship as both a practical support and a source of motivation: “This support strengthens my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the tech community at Tartu and to continuing my efforts to empower and inspire more women to pursue careers in technology.”
Kaily-Ann Kiuru, a third-year bachelor’s student, is a solution-oriented young woman who has found her calling in computer science. She wants to encourage more women to engage with the technology sector and succeed in it, thereby building their confidence, resilience, and opportunities. According to the committee, Kiuru’s scholarship application particularly stood out due to her motivation letter, which was sincere and thoughtful.
According to Kiuru, the scholarship is an important recognition for her work and choices so far. “It is not just financial support, but a clear sign that my potential and abilities are being recognised. The scholarship allows me to focus more deeply on my studies and projects and to take the next steps toward my long-term goals,” said Kiuru. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to enter a master’s degree and contribute to the development of innovative and inclusive technologies.
The University of Tartu Foundation thanks Wise for its consistent support, which helps talented students realise their potential and contribute knowledge and skills to the development of society. Wise’s example shows that companies’ conscious contribution to education and diversity helps shape the future of the entire technology sector.
Ayesha Ateeq Burney, a first-year student of the master's degree in Software Engineering who received the scholarship, is from Pakistan, where she also obtained her bachelor's degree. As the first woman in her family to receive a higher education, she wants to inspire all young women to strive for their dreams. She is a mentor for the Women in Computer Science Association at her previous institute, and thus strives to guide women to see computer science as an accessible and influential field. The evaluation committee of the scholarship found her application inspiring and her achievements outstanding.
Burney sees the scholarship as both a practical support and a source of motivation: “This support strengthens my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the tech community at Tartu and to continuing my efforts to empower and inspire more women to pursue careers in technology.”
Kaily-Ann Kiuru, a third-year bachelor’s student, is a solution-oriented young woman who has found her calling in computer science. She wants to encourage more women to engage with the technology sector and succeed in it, thereby building their confidence, resilience, and opportunities. According to the committee, Kiuru’s scholarship application particularly stood out due to her motivation letter, which was sincere and thoughtful.
According to Kiuru, the scholarship is an important recognition for her work and choices so far. “It is not just financial support, but a clear sign that my potential and abilities are being recognised. The scholarship allows me to focus more deeply on my studies and projects and to take the next steps toward my long-term goals,” said Kiuru. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to enter a master’s degree and contribute to the development of innovative and inclusive technologies.
The University of Tartu Foundation thanks Wise for its consistent support, which helps talented students realise their potential and contribute knowledge and skills to the development of society. Wise’s example shows that companies’ conscious contribution to education and diversity helps shape the future of the entire technology sector.
