María Paz Núñez, a graduate in Biotechnology Engineering, was one of the recipients of this year’s Chevening Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. Núñez will depart in September and will spend a year studying abroad.
How did you hear about the Chevening Scholarship, and what motivated you to apply?
I found out about it from a teacher at the high school I attended. Although I’ve known about it for a couple of years, it took me a while to decide on a master’s program and the university I wanted to attend, which is why I didn’t apply until last year.
My motivation for applying was primarily financial, since it is a full scholarship (covering university tuition and a monthly stipend for living expenses, which are very high in the United Kingdom), but I was also drawn to the idea of becoming part of a network as prestigious as the global Chevening alumni network. It is a scholarship that focuses on leadership profiles and connects outstanding young people who are committed to their country in various fields. From this perspective, it is a unique opportunity.
What was the application and selection process for the scholarship like?
The application and selection process for the scholarship is long and quite solitary. It involves writing four essays explaining what you’d like to study, how your studies could benefit your country, and describing your networking skills and leadership profile. Applications close in early November, and provided you meet the rest of the Chevening requirements (two years of work experience and having completed your undergraduate degree), you apply. In February, you’ll be notified whether you’ve advanced to the next stage of the selection process, which involves an in-person interview at the British Embassy. After the interview, you’ll be notified in June whether you’ve been selected or not.
The wait times are long, there’s a lot of anxiety, and little sleep (especially in early June). For me, it was a process of deep self-discovery, pushing my limits, and exposing myself to new situations. It was a process of personal and professional growth.
What are you hoping to get out of this experience?
I’m really looking forward to personal and professional growth, and to building professional and personal connections. I hope to enjoy the experience of studying at a university with as rich a history as the University of Oxford. And I hope to take another small step toward becoming the person I want to be.
What advice do you have for future Chevening Scholarship applicants?
Reach out to Chevening alumni! I didn’t do this until very late in the process, but it really helped calm my nerves and anxiety. Understand that it’s a long process; search for and make the most of all the online resources available to help you write your essays and prepare for interviews. Be able to clearly explain what you plan to do with your education once you return home. Enjoy the process, and learn along the way. Remember that there’s something that makes you unique. Make the most of it!
Gastón Bernheim holds a master’s degree in Big Data and was awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Economic Policy for International Development at the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) in London, United Kingdom.
According to Gastón, this master’s degree will give him a better understanding of the key drivers of a country’s economic development, as well as help him identify the key factors for the proper design and implementation of public policies.
How did you hear about the Chevening Scholarship, and what motivated you to apply?
The first time I heard about the Chevening Scholarship was while searching for different scholarships available for studying abroad, where Chevening always comes up as an excellent option. I then started identifying people who had already studied in the UK through the scholarship and reached out to them to learn firsthand what the process was like and what benefits the scholarship offers. Based on these conversations, I became convinced that I should apply.
What was the application and selection process for the scholarship like?
The scholarship application process begins with the submission of a series of essays that assess various skills and motivations, such as leadership, networking, why you want to study in the United Kingdom, and your future career plans. If your application is selected by the evaluators, the next step is an in-person interview where the concepts and ideas presented in your essays are explored in greater depth. Finally, a decision is made, and the results are communicated to the applicants. While it is a long and challenging process, it is extremely rewarding and is undoubtedly worth the effort.
What are you hoping to get out of this experience?
I am very excited about this opportunity, as I will be able to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world and become part of a network of professionals that brings together talent from various disciplines and continues to grow year after year.
What advice do you have for future Chevening Scholarship applicants?
The first step is to do a little more research on Chevening: what the eligibility requirements are, what the application process is like, and what benefits and opportunities it offers. There is plenty of information available, and it’s an excellent option if you’re thinking about pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom and becoming part of a prestigious international network.
Since this is a lengthy process, it is advisable to start preparing your application well in advance. Applications for scholarships for the next cohort (2024/2025) open in September of this year.
Finally, I recommend reaching out to Cheveners (former Chevening scholars) to get first-hand information. All of us in this network are here to help, and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Camila Hounie holds a degree in Biotechnology Engineering and is one of the recipients of a Chevening Scholarship; this September, she will begin a one-year master’s program in Biochemical Engineering at University College London.
How did you hear about the Chevening Scholarship, and what motivated you to apply?
I first heard about it while I was studying biotechnology engineering; I remember seeing a flyer on the bulletin boards at the university and attending an information session. A few years later, I decided to apply for this scholarship for many reasons, such as: the need to continue my professional development, the outstanding universities in the UK and the variety of programs they offer, and what makes this scholarship special—the prestige and networking opportunities within the Chevening community.
What was the application and selection process for the scholarship like?
The application and selection process isn't easy. The first stage involves filling out a very long online form. The most important part of that is a set of essays you have to write on four topics: leadership, networking, the studies you want to pursue in the UK, and your future plans. You'll also need letters of recommendation and your academic and work history. After this first stage, if you’re shortlisted, you’re invited to an interview. There, you basically have to delve a little deeper into what you wrote in the essays, discussing the areas I mentioned. Additionally, you apply to three master’s programs you’d like to pursue at the same time. Finally, seven months after submitting the online application, they announce the interview results.
What are you hoping to get out of this experience?
I hope to grow both professionally and personally. I believe this will be an experience that opens doors for me and also changes the way I see the world a little. I’ll be studying at a top-tier university, where I hope to build connections with people in the biotechnology field, and then return to Uruguay to put everything I’ve learned into practice.
What advice do you have for future Chevening Scholarship applicants?
I would advise you to be prepared to engage in some self-reflection before and during the application process. This is a fellowship for professionals with clear goals—people who know where they want to go and how they plan to get there. Make sure you have a story you truly believe in; this isn’t something to pursue if you’re not fully committed.