How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Queen Margaret University, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Abdulmenem Abu Azoum, and I am from Sabha, Libya. I pursued an MSc in Health and Social Development at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. I was drawn to this field after working in clinical settings in Libya and seeing first-hand how much impact good policy, planning, and community-level programming can have on health outcomes, often as much as the clinical care itself. I wanted to move beyond direct patient care and build the skills to design and evaluate the kinds of programmes and systems that improve health and wellbeing at a population level, particularly in fragile and post-conflict settings like Libya.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), to complete my MSc in Health and Social Development at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, for the 2016–2017 academic year. The scholarship was fully funded, covering my tuition fees in full, a monthly stipend to cover living costs, and return travel between Libya and the UK, which meant I could focus entirely on my studies without financial worry.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes , I was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in both 2013 and 2015 for study in the United States. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful in securing admission to a master's programme there, so under that scholarship I completed an intensive English programme rather than the degree I had originally hoped for. That experience, while not what I had planned, didn't stop me: it was after this that I set my sights on the Chevening Scholarship, which ultimately gave me the opportunity to pursue my MSc at Queen Margaret University.

Educational Background

Before my MSc, I completed a BSc in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at Tripoli University, Libya (2008–2012), graduating with strong academic standing. That clinical training gave me a solid grounding in how health systems function on the front line, from patient care to the pressures facing hospitals and health workers, and it was this first-hand exposure that motivated me to pursue further study in health and social development, so that I could contribute to strengthening those systems more broadly rather than only within a single clinical setting.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queen Margaret University?

How Did You Find Information About Chevening Scholarship and Queen Margaret University?

I first learned about the Chevening Scholarship through the British Council in Libya and information sessions held at the British Embassy. I also did extensive online research comparing UK universities offering programmes in health and social development, and spoke with alumni from previous Chevening cohorts, whose first-hand advice was invaluable in helping me choose Queen Margaret University.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took both the IELTS and TOEFL exams to meet the English language requirements for UK university admission and the Chevening Scholarship. I prepared through a combination of self-study using official IELTS practice materials, an intensive preparation course, and regular practice with English-language reading and writing over several months, which helped me build the confidence and fluency I needed to achieve the required score.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening application process involved several stages: an initial online application with essays on my leadership potential, networking abilities, and career plans, followed by an interview at the British Embassy in Libya. I spent considerable time drafting and refining my essays to clearly connect my clinical background with my future goals in health and social development, and I chose referees who could speak directly to my professional strengths and community engagement. I also prepared thoroughly for the interview by researching common Chevening interview questions and practicing articulating my goals clearly and confidently. Altogether, the process took several months from application to final offer.

How is Your Experience at Queen Margaret University?

My time at Queen Margaret University was an incredibly rewarding experience. The programme combined rigorous academic coursework with practical, real-world case studies, and I appreciated how much emphasis was placed on applying theory to real health and development challenges. I also valued the opportunity to study alongside classmates from many different countries, which broadened my perspective on global health issues.

How Do You Rate Queen Margaret University Academically?

I would rate Queen Margaret University very highly academically. The teaching staff were knowledgeable and genuinely invested in students' success, the course content was current and relevant to real global health challenges, and the smaller class sizes meant I received plenty of individual attention and constructive feedback throughout the programme.

How Does Queen Margaret University Support International Students?

Queen Margaret University offered strong support for international students, including a dedicated orientation programme, an international student office I could turn to for practical and academic guidance, and access to academic writing and study skills workshops that helped me adjust to the UK academic environment.

What Did You Pursue After the Chevening Scholarship?

After completing the MSc, I returned to Libya and have worked across programme support, monitoring and evaluation, and research roles with organisations including IOM, DAI Global (USAID), Chemonics (USAID), the United States Institute of Peace, UNICEF-supported programmes, and GOPA Worldwide Consultants, as well as serving as National Contact Point for Horizon Europe Libya and as a researcher with the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research. These roles have allowed me to apply what I learned during my MSc directly to strengthening health and development programming in Libya.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my clinical background in anaesthesia and intensive care, combined with a clear and genuine sense of purpose about how I wanted to use my MSc to contribute to health systems strengthening in Libya, helped my application stand out. I also made sure my essays told a coherent story connecting my past experience, my goals, and how the specific programme at Queen Margaret University fit into that path, rather than presenting a generic application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I would have started preparing my application and IELTS study earlier, to give myself more time to refine my essays and reduce the pressure in the final weeks before the deadline. I would also have reached out to more Chevening alumni earlier in the process, as their advice proved so valuable once I did connect with them.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice to future applicants is to start early, be authentic in your essays, and clearly articulate how the scholarship and your chosen programme connect to your long-term goals and your country's development needs. Reach out to alumni and past scholars for advice, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and don't be discouraged if the process feels long; persistence and genuine motivation make a real difference.