Millionaire winner now wants to be a Napier MBA

Most people, if they won Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? , would think in terms of sports cars, designer outfits and Caribbean cruises.

But when Harshvardhan Nawathe, a science graduate from Mumbai, won the Indian version of the hit television programme, his thought was further study to boost his employability in marketing.

Mr Nawathe, who won 10 million rupees (£123,000), upgraded his car, made some safe investments, bought new furniture for his parents' home, where he lives, and applied for an MBA course at Napier University in Edinburgh.

"These days, all corporations and multinationals look for an MBA degree," said Mr Nawathe, who began the one-year course last September and is working on his dissertation.

"I had always wanted to study further in the US or the UK, and probably the UK because of its (high) educational standards."

A distant cousin told him how much she had enjoyed studying in Edinburgh 20 years ago, and the clincher for Mr Nawathe was the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent scheme. Overseas graduates from Scottish institutions are able to stay on in the country for two years to seek work, with the Executive aiming to attract bright young people as Scotland's population dwindles.

"I'm definitely hoping to work in Scotland. I love the place," Mr Nawathe said. He has even got used to the weather, although he admitted: "Initially it was very problematic. I had to wear two or three jackets."

He had nothing but praise for the Napier course.

"The professors are warm and friendly and helpful. But the course is challenging because they expect you to do research into all the subjects and come up with something new. That was fantastic. And I really wanted this international experience."